Reddit reviews Phonics Pathways: Clear Steps to Easy Reading and Perfect Spelling, 10th Edition

Try getting him some really high interest reading material instead of just depending on school work to help him improve his skills. For example, my son loved the Goose Bumps series of books when he was a 3rd grader. If you don't know them, they are fairly cheesy scary stories appropriate for little kids. Or if he might prefer science fiction or sports stories of joke books or comics, find some of those. If you go to the local library, the librarian can help you pick some things. Then let him do his 20 minutes reading about things he enjoys, and the time will go faster and easier for you both. You can increase the time by a minute or two each night, and before you know it, he'll be reading for 30 or 40 minutes at a crack and wanting more.

The librarian can also help you set him up with books that progress in difficulty--so you can begin with slightly easier books that won't frustrate him or wear him out, then keep challenging him a little each time as you go.

I'll also recommend a great book called Phonics Pathways that can help him master language. I have used it often to tutor second and third grade students. A companion teaching tool for home use is Reading Pathways, which will help build fluency in his reading.

Finally, I suggest that you meet with his teacher and perhaps the principal, as well, to talk about his struggles right away. If he has a good teacher, he or she will want to do everything possible to support his learning so he doesn't fall farther behind.