My Child Is Struggling at School Despite Trying Hard: What Support Do They Need?

Does your child spend hours on homework, practise their spelling words or reread their schoolwork, yet still struggle to keep up?

Perhaps they understand ideas when talking about them but find it difficult to put them into writing, or they can read a text but struggle to explain what it means.

When a child is putting in considerable effort but continuing to experience difficulties at school, it can be frustrating for both the child and their family.

Why might a child struggle despite trying hard?

Learning involves a range of interconnected skills. When one or more of these skills are difficult, everyday classroom tasks can require significantly more effort.

Some children may experience difficulties with:

• Reading: Struggling to sound out unfamiliar words, read fluently or recognise spelling patterns.

• Spelling: Finding it difficult to remember spelling patterns, spell longer words or apply spelling rules consistently.

• Reading comprehension: Reading the words on a page but struggling to understand the meaning, make inferences or identify key information.

• Written expression: Having ideas but finding it difficult to organise them into clear sentences, paragraphs or extended written responses.

• Language and vocabulary: Struggling to understand complex instructions, unfamiliar vocabulary or the language used in classroom learning.

These difficulties can affect students at any age. While younger children may struggle with foundational reading and spelling, older students may find that increasing academic demands make previously manageable difficulties more noticeable.

It's important to remember that every child is different. These signs don't automatically mean a child has a learning difficulty, but persistent challenges may warrant further investigation.

Signs your child may need additional learning support

All children experience challenges with learning from time to time. However, it may be worth exploring additional support if your child:

• Continues to struggle with reading or spelling despite regular practice.

• Avoids reading, writing or other tasks they find difficult.

• Has difficulty understanding what they've read, even when they can read the words accurately.

• Finds it challenging to organise ideas and express them in writing.

• Takes considerably longer than expected to complete literacy-based homework.

• Becomes frustrated, anxious or loses confidence when faced with schoolwork.

You may also notice that your child can explain something verbally but struggles to demonstrate the same knowledge in a written task.

Recognising these patterns can help you identify where your child may need additional support, rather than simply asking them to work harder.

Tutoring, school learning support or speech pathology: What's the difference?

There are several ways to support a child who is struggling at school. The most appropriate option depends on their individual needs.

School-based learning support

Your child's teacher or learning support team may be able to provide targeted classroom adjustments, additional instruction or intervention. Speaking with the school is often a useful first step, as

teachers can share observations about your child's progress and classroom performance.

Tutoring

Tutoring can help students practise school content, consolidate knowledge and develop confidence with particular subjects. It may be particularly helpful when a student understands the underlying skills but needs additional teaching, revision or practice.

Speech pathology

Speech pathologists can assess and support the oral language and literacy skills that contribute to learning. Depending on a student's needs, this may include phonological awareness, decoding, spelling, vocabulary, reading comprehension and written expression.

For some students, difficulties with language and literacy can make it harder to access the curriculum, even when they are motivated and working hard.

Speech pathology may complement school-based support and tutoring by addressing specific underlying skills that are affecting learning. In some cases, a combination of approaches is most helpful.

What can parents do to help?

If you're concerned about your child's progress, there are several practical steps you can take.

1. Talk to your child's teacher.

Ask which areas your child finds most challenging and whether their teacher has noticed any consistent patterns. This can help you understand how the difficulties are affecting classroom learning.

2. Look beyond the overall result.

Rather than focusing only on grades or test scores, consider which specific tasks are difficult. Is your child struggling to read unfamiliar words, understand a text, spell longer words or organise an essay? Identifying the area of difficulty helps guide the next steps.

3. Notice how your child responds to support.

Consider whether additional practice is helping or whether the same difficulties continue to arise. Persistent challenges may indicate that a different approach or more targeted assessment is needed.

4. Seek advice when difficulties persist.

If your child continues to struggle despite support, consider speaking with an appropriate professional. An assessment can help clarify their strengths, areas of difficulty and the types of support that may be beneficial. A formal diagnosis is not always necessary before seeking advice or discussing support options.

5. Protect your child's confidence.

Children who experience ongoing learning difficulties may begin to believe they aren't capable, particularly when they see classmates completing tasks more easily. Acknowledge their effort, celebrate progress and remind them that needing a different kind of support doesn't mean they aren't intelligent or capable.

How can online speech pathology help?

Online speech pathology can provide students with individualised support for the language and literacy skills affecting their learning.

Depending on the student's needs, sessions may focus on developing reading and spelling skills, strengthening reading comprehension, improving written expression or building strategies for managing the demands of secondary school.

For older students, support may also include organising ideas, analysing texts, planning written responses and developing the literacy skills needed for independent learning.

As a speech pathologist with over 10 years of experience, experience working in school settings, and Consultant Membership with Learning Difficulties Australia, I understand the importance of identifying a student's individual needs and providing practical, evidence-informed support.

I offer online speech pathology for children and young people across Melbourne and regional Victoria, and Tasmania with support tailored to their learning goals.

Not sure what support your child needs?

If your child is working hard but continuing to struggle with reading, spelling, comprehension or written expression, you don't have to work out the next steps alone.

Understanding what is making learning difficult can help you identify the most appropriate support for your child.

I offer a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your concerns and explore whether online speech pathology may be suitable for your child.

Learn more about my literacy and learning support services here.

Lauren Ford is a speech pathologist with over 10 years of experience supporting children and young people with speech, language and literacy needs. She is a Learning Difficulties Australia Consultant Member and provides online services across Melbourne and regional Victoria.