As a parent, you want the best for your child, including their success in reading and learning.
But what if your child is struggling with reading, and that struggle seems to be widening the gap between them and their peers?
This situation might be explained by something called the Matthew Effect in reading.
The Matthew Effect can sound intimidating, but it’s not an irreversible fate. With the right support, struggling readers can catch up and thrive.
In this guide, we’ll explain what the Matthew Effect in reading is, why it matters, and the key signs to look out for in your child. Plus, we’ll share practical solutions to help you empower your child’s reading journey.
What is the Matthew Effect in reading?
The Matthew Effect, a concept first introduced by sociologist Robert Merton, refers to the idea that “the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer.”
The term “Matthew Effect” comes from the Bible, specifically the Gospel of Matthew, which states,
“For to everyone who has, more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what they have will be taken away.” (Matthew 25:29)
In reading, this means that children who start strong in literacy tend to keep improving, while those who fall behind struggle to catch up.
For example, a child who reads well by the end of first grade is more likely to enjoy reading, practice more, and improve even further.
Conversely, a child who struggles with reading early on may find it frustrating, avoid reading, and fall even further behind over time.
This cycle is self-reinforcing: strong readers build vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency while struggling readers miss out on these critical skills.
This makes the gap between them grow wider and harder to close.
Why does the Matthew Effect in reading matter?
The Matthew Effect doesn’t just affect reading — it impacts a child’s confidence, academic performance, and future opportunities.
Research shows that children who are not proficient readers by third grade are 4 times more likely to drop out of high school.
Reading is foundational to learning in all subjects. A child who struggles with reading may have difficulty understanding science textbooks, solving math word problems, or writing essays.
Over time, these struggles can affect their self-esteem and make them feel like they’re “bad at school.”
The good news?
Early identification and intervention can break this cycle.
5 signs your child is dealing with the Matthew Effect in reading
1. Avoiding reading or showing frustration
Does your child groan when it’s time to read? Do they say things like, “I hate reading,” or, “I’m not good at this”?
Well, avoidance and frustration are common signs that reading feels too challenging for them.
For example, a child struggling with fluency might take so long to sound out words that they lose track of the story. This makes reading feel like a chore instead of an enjoyable activity.
Solution: Make reading more fun by choosing books that match their interests and are at their reading level. Reading aloud together can also help reduce pressure and build confidence.
2. Falling behind peers in reading milestones
If your child’s classmates are moving on to chapter books while they’re still struggling with basic sentences, it could be a sign of the Matthew Effect.
Kids who fall behind in early reading skills, such as phonics or sight word recognition, often face increasing difficulties as the curriculum becomes more advanced.
Fact: A study by the Annie E. Casey Foundation found that 88% of children who struggle with reading in third grade will continue to struggle in high school.
To overcome this, experts suggest speaking with your child’s teacher to understand their specific challenges. They will help you explore interventions, such as tutoring or specialized reading programs.
3. Limited vocabulary growth
Children who read less are exposed to fewer words, which slows their vocabulary development.
If your child struggles to understand new words or frequently asks for definitions, they may not be reading enough to build the vocabulary needed for comprehension.
For example, a strong reader might learn words like “brilliant” or “shimmering” from stories. On the other hand, a struggling reader sticks to simpler words they already know, like “bright.”
What’s the solution?
Read a variety of books aloud to your child, even ones slightly above their reading level. Discuss new words in context to expand their vocabulary.
4. Difficulty with comprehension
Even if your child can read the words on the page, they might struggle to grasp the meaning of what they’re reading.
Comprehension issues often show up as:
- Trouble answering questions about the story.
- Inability to summarize what they’ve read.
- A blank look when asked, “What happened in the book?”
Comprehension struggles can make reading feel pointless, reinforcing the cycle of avoidance.
Encourage your child to pause and visualize the story or ask questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” to make reading interactive and engaging.
5. Avoiding reading-related activities
Does your child shy away from writing assignments or avoid participating in reading discussions at school?
If so, you should know that struggling readers often disengage from reading-related tasks as they fear embarrassment or failure.
The thing is that avoiding these activities not only affects their grades but also limits their ability to practice and improve.
So, create a safe, supportive environment where mistakes are seen as part of learning. Celebrate small victories, like finishing a short book or decoding a tricky word, to build their confidence.
How parents can help break the Matthew Effect
If you recognize these signs in your child, don’t panic. There are plenty of ways to help them succeed.
1. Start earlyThe earlier you address reading challenges, the easier they are to overcome. If your child is in preschool or early elementary school, focus on phonics, letter recognition, and fun reading activities.
2. Work with teachersStay in close communication with your child’s teacher to monitor their progress and identify areas for support. Teachers can recommend resources, programs, or adjustments to help your child thrive.
3. Use technology wiselyEducational apps like ABCmouse or Raz-Kids can make reading practice fun and interactive. Pair screen time with traditional books to create a balanced learning experience.
4. Seek professional help if neededIf your child’s struggles persist despite your efforts, consider working with a reading specialist or speech therapist. These professionals can provide targeted interventions to address specific challenges.
Conclusion: Small steps make a big difference
The Matthew Effect in reading can feel daunting, but it’s not a life sentence.
With early intervention, patience, and consistent support, your child can overcome reading challenges and rediscover the joy of learning.
After all, every child’s reading journey is unique, right?
Celebrate their progress, no matter how small, and remind them that improvement is always possible.
With your encouragement and the right strategies, you can help them turn the page on frustration and write their own success story.