Mushaf pages are dense, with small print and many lines. Children who are new to the Mushaf often jump a line without noticing.
Quick fixes
| Fix | How |
|---|---|
| Bookmark or ruler | Placed under the current line, moved down each time |
| Finger tracking | A finger under every word, right to left |
| Larger print | A bigger Mushaf with the same page layout |
| Slower pace | Speed causes skipping |
| Good light | Read in daylight or under a good lamp |
The end-of-line check
Teach your child to glance at the first word of the next line before finishing the current one. It keeps their place.
When to check eyesight
- Skipping lines in English reading too.
- Rubbing eyes, squinting, tilting the head, or headaches.
- Holding the book very close.
Eye tests are free for under-16s at UK opticians.
When it might be something else
If eyesight is fine but tracking is still very hard, speak to the school SENCO; some children have visual processing difficulties that can be supported.
Teacher’s tip: a card with a thin window cut out (showing one line at a time) works brilliantly for children who skip lines. It’s cheap and takes two minutes to make.
Related: Skipping small words.
