How to Support Struggling Readers with TPRs

Not all students progress at the same pace when learning to read. For some, the process of blending sounds and decoding words can be particularly challenging. Target Practice Readers (TPRs) are a powerful resource for helping struggling readers develop the skills they need to succeed. In this post, we’ll discuss how to use TPRs to support struggling readers and provide targeted interventions.

Identifying Struggling Readers 
Struggling readers can sometimes have difficulty with phonics, particularly blending sounds to form words. They may also have trouble recognising letter-sound correspondences or remembering previously learned sounds. These challenges can hinder their progress and prevent them from moving forward in their reading journey.

How TPRs Can Help Struggling Readers

1. Targeted Phonics Practice: TPRs focus on specific letter-sounds, making them ideal for targeted phonics practice. For struggling readers, this focused approach helps isolate the sounds they are struggling with and gives them multiple opportunities to practice those sounds in context.
2. Gradual Progression: TPRs are aligned with a progressive phonics programme, which means that as students master one set of sounds, they can move on to the next. For struggling readers, this gradual progression ensures that they are not overwhelmed by too much new information at once.
3. One-on-One Support: TPRs can be used effectively in one-on-one reading sessions with struggling readers. Teachers or tutors can provide individualised attention, helping students decode each word and offering guidance as needed. This personalised support is essential for helping struggling readers build their confidence and skills.
4. Intervention for Early or Later Phases: TPRs can be used not only for early reading support but also for interventions at any phase of learning. Whether a student is behind in their letter-sound recognition or blending skills, TPRs offer a structured, decodable resource that meets them at their level.

Tips for Using TPRs with Struggling Readers

1. Focus on Mastery: Before moving on to more advanced sounds or texts, ensure that struggling readers have fully mastered the letter-sounds they are working on. Use TPRs to reinforce these sounds until the student is confident.
2. Repetition is Key: Encourage students to re-read TPRs multiple times. Repetition helps reinforce phonics knowledge and improves fluency. With each reading, the student will become more familiar with the sounds and words, building their confidence.
3. Use Visual and Audio Cues: Many struggling readers benefit from visual and auditory support. The e-book versions of TPRs include audio features, which can be particularly helpful for struggling readers. Listening to the sounds and words while reading along provides additional reinforcement.

Target Practice Readers are an excellent tool for supporting struggling readers. With targeted phonics practice, gradual progression, and opportunities for one-on-one support, TPRs provide the structure and repetition needed to help struggling readers improve their decoding and blending skills. By using TPRs as part of an intervention strategy, teachers can help students overcome their reading challenges and achieve success.