How to Talk to Teachers About Reading Support: A Gentle Guide for Parents

When your child begins to struggle with reading, it can stir up a mix of emotions: concern, confusion, even guilt. You want to help, but you may not know exactly what to ask or how to begin the conversation with your child’s teacher.

You’re not alone. Many parents find the world of reading support, terms like intervention, RTI, or MTSS, unclear and intimidating. But with a little understanding and the right questions, you can become a confident partner in your child’s learning journey.

Understanding RTI and MTSS: What It Really Means

Schools use frameworks like Response to Intervention (RTI) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to ensure every student gets the instruction and help they need.

At its heart, MTSS is about prevention and early support, not waiting until a child fails, but identifying and addressing needs early.

Here’s a quick look at how it works:

• Tier 1: High-quality, evidence-based instruction for all students in the classroom.

• Tier 2: Small-group support for students who need extra help with specific skills.

• Tier 3: Intensive, individualized instruction for students with ongoing challenges.

**These tiers are flexible levels of support, not labels. The goal is growth, not “fixing.”**

Start with Curiosity

It’s natural to feel anxious when you hear your child is receiving reading support. But remember, this isn’t a sign of failure. It’s an opportunity for targeted help that can make a lasting difference. When meeting with your child’s teacher, try opening with curiosity:

“I’d love to understand more about how my child is doing with reading. What specific skills are they working on right now?”

That kind of question invites collaboration, not confrontation. Teachers appreciate when parents approach the conversation as partners rather than problem-solvers.

Ask for Clarity

You don’t need to be an expert in reading instruction to ask meaningful questions. Clear communication helps everyone stay aligned and focused on your child’s growth.

• Questions to Ask Your Child’s Teacher:

  • What reading assessments are used to identify my child’s needs?

  • What skills are being taught in their intervention group?

  • How will progress be monitored and shared with me?

  • What can I do at home to reinforce what’s being taught at school?

These questions show that you’re engaged and supportive, exactly the kind of partner teachers hope for.

Look for Evidence-Based Instruction

As you discuss interventions, you may hear terms like decoding, fluency, phonemic awareness, or comprehension strategies. These are part of the Science of Reading, which emphasizes systematic and explicit instruction. Systematic instruction is organized into a logical, cumulative sequence that builds from simple to more complex skills. Explicit instruction involves direct explanation, modeling by the teacher ("I do"), guided practice with corrective feedback ("we do"), and a gradual release of responsibility to the student ("you do").

If you’re unsure, it’s perfectly appropriate to ask:

“I’ve been learning more about the Science of Reading. Can you tell me how my child’s intervention supports those key skills?”

This question communicates trust and genuine curiosity. It also helps ensure that your child’s support is grounded in research, not just routine.

Partnering from Home

Your role at home is powerful. Even a few intentional minutes each day can reinforce what your child is learning at school. Try:

• Reading together and talking about interesting words or sounds.

• Writing simple stories, lists, or notes to make spelling and writing meaningful.

• Celebrating small successes (“You read that tricky word all by yourself!”).

Ask your child’s teacher for ideas or reading materials that align with their goals. When home and school work in harmony, progress happens faster and children feel supported on all sides.

Stay Focused on Growth, Not Comparison

Every reader’s journey looks different. Some children need more time or targeted instruction before everything clicks, and that’s perfectly okay. What matters most is consistent progress and growing confidence. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress toward independence.

Talking to teachers about reading support doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing. With openness, curiosity, and a shared focus on your child’s success, you can build a partnership that truly empowers your young reader.

Remember, teachers and parents are on the same team and together, you can create the conditions for reading success.