Triple R Teaching What to say to your child's teacher when your child is struggling with learning to read - with Michelle Henderson
Jun 23, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Michelle Henderson, a reading specialist and parent coach with 25 years of experience, shares crucial advice for parents concerned about their child's reading struggles. She emphasizes the importance of open communication with teachers, providing tips on asking respectful questions and recognizing red flags in reading practices. Michelle also discusses the need for early intervention, documents concerns to build action plans, and highlights parents' legal rights. Her insights empower parents to advocate effectively while maintaining strong relationships with educators.
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From Struggle To Success
- Michelle Henderson discovered her son's reading struggles despite her early-literacy background and pursued graduate study in reading science.
- She became his private interventionist and advocate, leading to him loving reading by fifth grade.
Training Gap In Reading Instruction
- Many teachers want to help but lack training in evidence-based reading instruction.
- Structured literacy is the gold standard for teaching reading, yet many teachers haven't been trained in it.
Ask Curious, Open-Ended Questions
- Ask teachers open-ended, curious questions like “Can you tell me more about how reading is being taught in the classroom?”
- Share resources gently and request a follow-up meeting to build collaboration.
