How Reading While Listening Can Help Struggling Readers Catch Up Faster

This fall, it seemed like every other headline was about plummeting reading and math scores in the U.S.:

• High schoolers in the United States last year earned their lowest marks on reading and math in two decades

• When it comes to reading, the nation's third- through eighth-graders

  are still mired in a pandemic-era slump,

• The average 12th-grade reading score is now 10 points lower than the first-ever recorded test more than 30 years ago.

As a parent, that’s hard to hear. You want your child to succeed, but what if your child is already struggling to read? And what if waiting for the education system to fix things isn’t an option?

If you’ve been searching for help for struggling readers, you’re not alone. The good news: there’s something you can start doing right now that makes a measurable difference.

Why So Many Kids Are Falling Behind

It’s easy to point to the pandemic as the main reason for poor reading scores, but that’s only part of the story. Today’s children are also growing up surrounded by digital distractions like smartphones, tablets, and streaming platforms that compete for attention and limit time for reading.

Reading proficiency is the foundation for success in every subject, yet many parents feel powerless to change things. Articles and experts call for more funding and programs but families need practical help for struggling readers right now.

A Parent Who’s Been There

I know exactly how you feel because I’ve been there.

When my son reached second grade, he could sound out words but couldn’t retain meaning. Reading time was frustrating for both of us. As a busy homeschooling family with two other children, reading every book to him wasn’t realistic.

I was an early reader myself, so I couldn’t understand his struggle. Until one day, I glanced at a shelf of childhood keepsakes and noticed something.  It was a set of picture books with 45 rpm records that read the story aloud while I followed along. That’s when it hit me: maybe I learned to read so quickly because I practiced listening while reading.

The Simple Solution That Changed Everything

We decided to try the same thing. We borrowed a paperback and its audiobook from the library. My son followed along with his finger as he listened. Within a few weeks, something incredible happened. Reading started to click!

After a year of reading while listening, he didn’t need the audiobook anymore. Today, he’s a college sophomore running his own business. That small daily habit changed his academic path forever.

Research confirms what we experienced firsthand: after four weeks of intentional reading while listening, students show measurable gains in vocabulary, reading speed, and comprehension. Over a year, students who practice this approach can improve their vocabulary four times more than those who read without audio.

Turning a Family Discovery Into a Resource for Others

When I saw how effective this method was, I wanted to make it available to other families who needed help for struggling readers and without adding more screen time.

That’s when I discovered MegaVoice audio players, small solar-powered devices used around the world to share audio Bibles. They’re simple, affordable, and distraction-free: no internet, no apps, no notifications.

I began adapting my stories into audio formats for these devices, creating Read While Listening Bundles so children could enjoy reading while building comprehension skills in a calm, focused way.

How to Help Your Struggling Reader Starting Today

You don’t need a complicated program to get started. Here are three simple ways to begin at home:

1. Read while listening together. Pick a favorite story that comes in both book and audio form. Spend 30 minutes a day reading and listening together.

2. Let your child choose. Visit a local bookstore, help your child find something age-appropriate, and buy two copies, one for each of you. Shared reading builds motivation.

3. Try a structured system. For independent learning, try our free Read While Listening digital program for grades 3–6. It’s a proven, low-pressure way to build reading confidence.

   
   

Real Families, Real Results

Families who’ve used this system are seeing remarkable progress:

“The MP3 player we received was easy to use, practical, and perfectly small for travel. Having both formats definitely helps with spelling and pronunciation of new vocabulary.” — Connecting Hearts Homeschooling

“The package came with a personal reader, so both kids could enjoy the story—my youngest isn’t fluent yet, and my oldest prefers stories through her ears.” — Shauna Van Depol

Give Your Child the Gift of Confidence

If your child is one of the 65% of U.S. students in 4th grade who are behind in reading, now’s the time to act.

 A simple 30-minute reading-while-listening routine can rebuild comprehension, focus, and confidence, without more screen time or stress. Check out our Free Trial Reading While Listening Program. Or, explore our Read While Listening Bundles for All Ages—and see firsthand how this small change can make a big difference.

You don’t have to wait for a school program or a new policy. You can start today, right where you are, and give your child the boost they need to thrive.