Help Struggling Readers One Line at a Time
Reading is one of the most important skills a child can learn, but for many kids, it is also one of the hardest. If your child struggles to read, you are not alone. Research shows that reading difficulties often come from deeper challenges with attention, memory, and language, not a lack of effort or interest.
A recent study of struggling readers found that five key factors often hold kids back when it comes to reading success. The good news is that with the right support, even something as simple as a bookmark, you can help your child overcome these challenges one line at a time.
Table of Contents
- 5 Reasons Kids Struggle to Read
- How Thick Bookmarks Can Help
- Free Download: 5x5 Interactive Bookmarks
- DIY: Make Your Own Thick Bookmarks
- One Small Tool, Big Difference
- Want to Read the Research Behind This?
5 Reasons Kids Struggle to Read
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Attention Challenges
Some children simply have trouble staying focused while reading. Their minds wander, they lose their place, and comprehension slips away.
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Behavioral Inattention
In a classroom or even at home, distractions can easily pull kids off-task. A noisy environment or the temptation to daydream can mean less actual time spent engaged with the book.
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Working Memory Limitations
Reading is not just about recognizing words. Kids also have to hold sounds, words, and ideas in their memory while building meaning across sentences and paragraphs. That is a lot to juggle.
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Limited Vocabulary and Language Knowledge
If children do not know the words they are reading, comprehension breaks down. Limited vocabulary makes it harder to connect ideas and enjoy the story.
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Difficulty with Fluency and Word Recognition
When decoding words is not automatic, kids read more slowly and get frustrated. So much energy goes into figuring out each word that there is little left for understanding the story itself.
In one study of 245 struggling readers in 4th and 5th grade (average age 10.3 years), researchers found that both sustained attention and teacher-rated attention were strong predictors of how well students understood what they read, even beyond vocabulary and memory skills.
How Thick Bookmarks Can Help
Have you ever heard of a thick bookmark? Unlike a skinny strip of paper or ribbon, a thick bookmark is wide and sturdy enough to block out most of the page, leaving just one line or a small section visible. This creates a simple but powerful focus tool. Instead of being overwhelmed by a wall of text, kids can read one line at a time, keeping their place, reducing distractions, and making reading feel manageable rather than stressful.
Here is how they help:
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Creates a Clear Visual Boundary – Kids focus on one line at a time instead of a full, overwhelming page.
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Adds a Tactile Anchor – A physical guide they can move down the page to stay on task.
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Prevents Eye Fatigue – Reduces strain by guiding the eyes step by step.
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Easier Page Navigation – Works like a "you are here" sign, preventing kids from losing their place.
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Boosts Fluency and Comprehension – Frees up mental energy for understanding and enjoying the story, not just decoding words.
Download: 5x5 Interactive Bookmarks
We have created a set of free printable 5x5 coloring bookmarks that you and your child can decorate together.
[Download Free 5x5 Interactive Bookmark]
These bookmarks are both a fun activity and a reading support tool, helping kids stay engaged while making reading time more personal and enjoyable.
DIY: Make Your Own Thick Bookmarks
Want to get even more creative? You can make your own bookmarks at home and turn it into a craft project with your child.
Materials:
- Cardstock (cut into 5x5 squares)
- Stickers
- Markers, crayons, or watercolors
- Glue
- Laminator (optional, for durability)
Steps:
- Cut cardstock into 5x5 squares.
- Decorate with markers, stickers, or watercolor designs.
- (Optional) Laminate to make them last longer.
- Use the bookmark during reading, sliding it down the page one line at a time,
This simple project doubles as bonding time while giving your child a tool that makes reading feel less overwhelming and more fun.
One Small Tool, Big Difference
Helping kids who struggle with reading does not always require expensive programs or complicated strategies. Sometimes, the simplest solutions make the biggest difference.
By using a thick bookmark, children can block out distractions, stay focused, and feel more confident. Whether you download ours or make your own, you will be giving your child a tool that supports their success one line, one page, and one book at a time.
Every reader deserves to feel capable and confident.
Want to Read the Research Behind This?
If you are interested in diving deeper into the science, you can read the full study that inspired this blog:
Sustained Attention and Behavioral Ratings of Attention in Struggling Readers (Macdonald et al., 2021), published in Scientific Studies of Reading.
