The Matthew Effect in Reading—Why Early Gains Matter

Ever heard the saying “the rich get richer”? In reading education, that idea has a name: the Matthew Effect.

Coined by psychologist Keith Stanovich, the Matthew Effect in reading describes how early reading success tends to build on itself, while early struggles often compound over time. Strong readers are exposed to more words, books, and ideas, which makes them even better readers. Meanwhile, students who lag behind often read less, struggle more, and fall further behind each year.

What does this mean for your child? It means that identifying and addressing reading challenges early, especially in the early elementary years, can have a profound, lasting impact. With the right support, struggling readers can close the gap and develop the skills (and confidence) they need to thrive.

At Cohasset Learning Studio, we’re here to break the cycle of “falling behind” and help every child become a joyful, capable reader. No more “wait and see”.