Many parents want to support their child’s success in school, but it’s not always easy to spot when a child is struggling—especially with a subject as broad and essential as English. Whether it’s reading comprehension, writing skills, grammar, or vocabulary, early intervention can make a significant difference.
At PALS Learning Center South Plainfield, we help students build confidence in English through personalized, skill-based instruction. If you’re unsure whether your child needs extra support, here are some common warning signs to watch for.
1. Avoiding Reading or Writing Activities
If your child consistently avoids reading books, writing assignments, or even simple journaling tasks, it might be more than just disinterest—it could be a sign of frustration. Struggling students often lose motivation when reading or writing feels difficult or embarrassing.
Watch for:
- Saying “I hate reading” or “I don’t know what to write”
- Getting anxious when asked to read aloud
- Rushing through assignments or not completing them at all
2. Frequent Spelling and Grammar Mistakes
While occasional errors are normal, frequent issues with spelling, punctuation, or sentence structure may indicate a gap in foundational English skills. These problems often show up in homework or written responses.
Watch for:
- Misspelling simple words (e.g., “becaus” instead of “because”)
- Mixing up tenses (e.g., “I goed to the store”)
- Incomplete or run-on sentences
3. Difficulty Understanding Instructions or Reading Passages
Reading comprehension is a key part of English. If your child struggles to understand story details, follow written instructions, or summarize what they’ve read, they may need support with critical thinking and language processing.
Watch for:
- Trouble retelling a story in their own words
- Confusion about story characters, plot, or purpose
- Struggling with word problems in other subjects like math
4. Weak Vocabulary and Word Choice
A limited vocabulary can affect both reading and writing performance. If your child often uses very basic words or repeats the same ones, they might need help expanding their language skills.
Watch for:
- Repetitive word use (e.g., “good,” “nice,” “fun”)
- Not understanding words they come across in class or books
- Avoiding new or “hard” words altogether
5. Poor Confidence or Low Participation in Class
A student who lacks confidence in English may avoid raising their hand, reading aloud, or participating in group discussions. This behavior can sometimes be mistaken for shyness, but it may stem from academic difficulty.
Watch for:
- Reluctance to speak in class
- Saying things like “I’m not good at English”
- Negative attitude toward English assignments
How PALS Learning Center Can Help
At PALS South Plainfield, our English programs are designed to support students who may be falling behind or feeling overwhelmed. Through customized learning plans, small group sessions, and engaging instruction, we help students:
- Master grammar and writing structure
- Improve reading comprehension
- Build vocabulary and confident expression
- Develop critical thinking skills
We also focus on building confidence, which often makes the biggest difference in how students perform in and out of the classroom.
Concerned About Your Child’s Progress in English? Let’s Talk.
It’s never too early to take action. If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, our team at PALS Learning Center South Plainfield is ready to help. Together, we can give your child the support they need to thrive.