My child is six and in first grade. She is below reading level. I notice that when she reads for example the word “bid”, she reads dib or even bib. I repeatedly tell her to pronounce the first letter first. Is this normal or should I be more concerned with this?

There are three parts to your question:

1. It is not uncommon for young children to write and read words backwards, using right to left progression, instead of left to right progression. In most cases, it is simply a matter of teaching and reemphasizing the point of reference–where we start with each word–left to right. Most teachers/professionals expect some type of reversal with written or reading language up through the age of 8. So at this point, it is not necessarily a point of concern, but does merit watching. Make sure that you always gently remind her where we start when we begin a word. There are many left to right progression type games/exercises that you can do to keep reminding her that “this is where we start.”

2. Your example was using the letters b and d (bid). Also very confusing for many children for the same reason that she reads it backwards to begin with. Point of reference. I teach in my class that b has a fat tummy (because the curve is on the right side or “front” of the line) and that d has a fat behind (for the same reason). Again, repetition and practice emphasizing the correct point of reference will more than likely ensure that she will eventually remember and get it right. Most children do. If at age 8 she is still very confused about this and constantly mixing b’s and d’s up, and starting from right to left, then there may be cause for further investigation into learning issues and concerns.

3. You mentioned that she is below reading level. As she’s just in the first grade, again there may not be too much need for concern. She just may be starting to figure out this whole code we call language. But now is the time to pay really close attention to this one. Keeping her on grade level is important. If she seems to be struggling with basic reading concepts, now is the time to shore up that reading foundation and make sure that she is getting all the help she needs. A frank and direct discussion with her teacher will be very helpful for you to understand what is being taught in her classroom and what you can do to help her at home. Many teachers/schools just can’t offer enough, and you may need to supplement her reading education with programs, workbooks, etc. at home. Staying on top of this is very important. Information will be your best tool in helping your daughter master and learn to love reading.