“I’m Not a Reading Specialist”—But You’re Still Their Best Chance
You didn’t go to school to become a reading interventionist.
You’re juggling 26 students, an overloaded curriculum, behavior plans, and endless meetings.
And yet—
There’s that student in your class.
They can’t decode simple words
They fake-read chapter books
They avoid reading aloud at all costs
And you’re thinking:
“I’m not a reading specialist. What am I supposed to do?”
Let’s talk about the powerful role you play—even if reading isn’t your specialty—and the steps you can take today. 🧑🏫📘✨
💡 First: You Don’t Have to “Fix” Everything
Reading challenges are complex.
Some students need full evaluations, specialized programs, and intensive support.
But here’s the truth: You’re still their most consistent reading teacher.
Even 10-minute routines in the classroom can change everything—if they’re grounded in what works.
🔍 Spot the Signs Sooner
If you notice any of these:
Constant guessing at words
Inconsistent recognition of the same word
Terrible spelling but strong verbal skills
Avoidance of reading tasks
That student likely needs explicit decoding instruction, not more silent reading time.
🛠️ What You Can Do (Without Being a Specialist)
✅ 1. Embed Sound Mapping in Small Ways
Pick 2–3 high-frequency words per week
Have students map the sounds and write them
Discuss tricky spelling parts
Example: said → /s/ /e/ /d/ → “ai” says /e/
✅ 2. Use Decodable Texts When Possible
Even for review or fluency work. Let kids practice what they know instead of guessing unfamiliar words.
✅ 3. Rethink “Reading Time”
Independent reading doesn’t build skill if a child can’t decode the book.
Instead:
Offer partner reads
Assign books they can decode
Give them time to reread previous texts for fluency
✅ 4. Model “How to Read Words,” Not Just What They Mean
Slow down and show students how to break a word into sounds.
Instead of: “This word is night.”
Try: “Let’s sound it out together—/n/ /ī/ /t/. What do those letters say?”
✅ 5. Ask for Support—but Stay Involved
Request help from your intervention team. But don’t check out.
You’re with these students more than anyone else.
Every minute of instruction counts. ⏱️💪
💬 What to Say to a Struggling Reader
“Your brain is working hard—that’s a good thing.”
“Some kids learn to read with fewer steps, and others need more. I’m here for all the steps.”
“We’re going to break this down together. One part at a time.”
Your words matter more than you realize. 💬💙
📘 How BrainySheets Helps Classroom Teachers Support All Readers
BrainySheets was designed with teachers like you in mind.
No training required
Clear, printable decodable stories
Each comes with a short, structured teaching guide
Easy to fit into morning work, centers, or 1-on-1s
Whether you have 5 minutes or 25—you can make it count.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a specialist title to make a difference.
You just need:
A few powerful strategies
Materials that do the heavy lifting
And the belief that progress is possible
You are their best chance—because you show up every day.
Let’s give you tools that work. 🧠📘🧑🏫
