5 Ways Parents Can Help Their Middle Schooler with Nonfiction Reading and Informative Writing
As a middle school teacher, I often see students who struggle with nonfiction reading and informative writing. These skills are not only essential for success in school but also for real-world application in subjects like social studies, science, and even future careers. If your child is finding it challenging to grasp nonfiction texts or express their ideas clearly in writing, you're not alone—many middle schoolers face this hurdle.
Luckily, there are practical ways you can support your child at home and help them build these skills. Here are five strategies that can make a big difference:
1. Encourage Active Reading
Active reading is all about engaging with the text instead of just passively reading it. Encourage your child to read nonfiction texts by asking questions while they read. Some useful questions to ask include:
What is the author trying to teach me in this section?
What’s the main point here?
How does this information connect to what I already know?
These questions help your child focus on the big picture and better understand the main ideas in the text. Pausing to discuss what they’re reading can also reinforce comprehension and give your child a chance to process the material.
2. Break Down the Text into Sections
Nonfiction texts can often feel overwhelming, especially when they’re long or dense. Encourage your child to break the text down into smaller, more digestible sections. They can do this by focusing on one paragraph or heading at a time. After reading each section, have them write a brief summary of what they just read, focusing on the main ideas and key details.
This process helps them stay focused and reduces the risk of feeling lost in the details. It also makes it easier for them to identify the text’s central idea and understand how different sections of the text relate to each other.
3. Use Graphic Organizers
Graphic organizers are a great tool for helping your child organize their thoughts before, during, and after reading. For nonfiction texts, graphic organizers like Venn diagrams, mind maps, or T-charts can help them break down complex information and organize it logically.
For example, if your child is reading about a historical event, they can use a T-chart to compare different perspectives on the event. If they’re writing an informative essay, a mind map can help them outline their main points and supporting evidence. By using these organizers, they’ll better understand how information is connected and improve their ability to structure their own writing.
4. Practice Summarizing and Paraphrasing
Summarizing and paraphrasing are essential skills in both reading comprehension and writing. Encourage your child to practice summarizing nonfiction texts by writing a brief summary of each section in their own words. This helps them focus on the most important points and solidifies their understanding.
If your child is working on informative writing, they can practice paraphrasing facts from their reading in a clear and concise manner. The goal is to help them rephrase the material without losing the key information, making it easier for them to incorporate those facts into their writing.
5. Consider Private Tutoring for Personalized Support
While the strategies above can be very effective, some students benefit from more personalized instruction, especially if they’re struggling to make progress on their own. If you’ve tried these strategies and your child is still having difficulty, private tutoring can provide the focused attention they need to improve.
As a teacher with years of experience, I specialize in helping middle school students improve their nonfiction reading and informative writing skills. I offer one-on-one tutoring sessions tailored to your child’s specific needs, focusing on areas where they struggle most, whether that’s analyzing complex texts or organizing their thoughts in writing.
By working with a tutor, your child can receive personalized guidance, practice, and support that will help them gain confidence in their reading and writing abilities. If you’re interested in learning more about how tutoring can make a difference, I’d be happy to chat about how I can help your child succeed.
Contact me today to schedule a session and give your child the support they need to thrive in nonfiction reading and writing!