Helping a child who struggles with reading can feel overwhelming, but as a parent, you have the power to turn reading challenges into opportunities for growth and confidence. With the right strategies and a lot of encouragement, you can support your child in becoming a more self-assured reader.
As a reading tutor for the past two years, I have continually seen that consistent reading practice and support significantly increase a child’s confidence as a reader.
Here are 13 actionable ways to build confidence in struggling readers.
1. Understand Your Child’s Unique Challenges
Getting to know your child as a reader is of utmost importance when it comes to knowing how to help them.
Observe your child to identify specific reading difficulties. A few common difficulties include:
-
- Decoding – translating written words into speech. Decoding challenges are evident when many words are laboriously sounded out, and it interrupts the flow of reading.
- Comprehension – understanding what was read.
- Focus – ability to concentrate. When focus is a challenge, your child may talk to your child’s teacher to gain deeper insights and create a plan tailored to their needs. Collaboration can be a game-changer when it comes to addressing struggles.
2. Create an Inviting and Encouraging Environment
A welcoming space makes reading feel like a treat instead of a chore.
- Set up a quiet, comfortable, clutter-free space where your child can focus on reading without distractions. You can add pillows, a beanbag, or a blanket. Soft lighting also helps to minimize overstimulation.
- Stock the area with books that match their interests and reading level while allowing your child some time to read books on their own. Having the opportunity to read without any restrictions can help your child feel free to explore different reading strategies and build independence.
3. Establish a Daily Reading Routine
Opportunities to practice and have fun reading are key when it comes to improvement.
- A steady reading routine helps build skills and confidence over time. Set aside 10–15 minutes a day for focused reading practice. Reading each day builds stamina, and over time, the task of reading becomes easier and less overwhelming.
- Pick a time that works best for your family, whether it’s before bed or after school. Have your child choose the book. Providing a choice is one of the most effective ways to get your child to want to read.
4. Use Engaging Materials
When reading material feels accessible and exciting, children are much more likely to engage.
- Choose books and resources based on your child’s interests, whether they are animals, superheroes, or adventure stories.
- Incorporate various materials such as pop-up books, audiobooks, graphic novels, or apps that make reading more interactive and exciting.
5. Read Together Daily
Shared reading sessions build your child’s skills while fostering connection. Make this time pressure-free.
- Take turns reading aloud by alternating pages/paragraphs or echo read to model fluency (smooth reading with expression); you read a sentence, and your child repeats it.
- Share any connections to the story. This is a nice way to bond over the story and make reading more personal.
6. Celebrate Small Wins
Encouragement means so much when it comes to building confidence. Think about how you feel when you receive encouraging words, even as simple as, “I’m proud of you!” or “You are such a hard worker!” It really boosts morale.
- Recognize every bit of progress, no matter how small. Did they finish a page? Decode a tricky word? Celebrate it! Do a victory dance, a cheer, a “whoo hoo!”
- Praise your child’s effort. Use positive reinforcement statements such as, “You worked so hard on that! Way to go!” to boost their self-esteem and keep them motivated.
7. Leverage Professional Resources
The addition of reading resources can help you support your child.
- Children benefit from additional support from reading programs like Savvy Learning, which specialize in helping struggling readers build skills and confidence.
- Professional tutors can provide personalized guidance tailored to your child’s unique needs. If challenges persist, consider an assessment by a reading specialist to identify specific learning gaps.
8. Encourage a Growth Mindset
This helps your child view reading as their own journey.
- Teach your child that mistakes are part of learning, and that effort leads to improvement. Remind them that they are capable learners.
- Instead of comparing your child to siblings or classmates, share stories about people who struggled with reading but eventually succeeded. Relatable role models can inspire persistence.
9. Introduce Phonics Games
Games are a fun strategy to boost reading skills, and they can encourage working together as a team.
Make learning exciting by using games and activities that build foundational reading skills. Such examples can include:
- Rhyming games – have your child think of a word that rhymes with body parts, such as head/bed, eye/my. You can also use nursery rhymes and print out pictures for your child to choose from to fill in the rhyming word. Pause when it’s time to say the rhyming word to let your child choose the picture with the rhyming word on it. “One, two, buckle my _______.” (Shoe) “Three, four, shut the ______.” (Door)
- Word scavenger hunt – hide words around a room or house on sticky notes or other materials. Students can then search for the words and match them to a list on a piece of paper.
- Word memory match – you can either buy this or create it yourself by writing words on index cards (two of each word so there is a match) and turning all cards over so you can’t see any of the words. Flip over two cards, and if the words match, keep them. If the words do not match, flip them back over, and it’s the other person’s turn. The person with the most matches at the end wins!
- Explore apps like Reading Eggs or ABCmouse, or try phonics-based board games such as Scrabble to create an engaging learning experience.
10. Demonstrate Real-World Opportunities
Practical reading demonstrates to your child how their reading skills are useful in everyday life.
- Show your child that reading isn’t limited to books. Encourage them to read recipes, menus, signs, or shopping lists.
- Make it leisurely! You can incorporate reading from everyday things we see, such as license plates, music lyrics to favorite songs, instructions for games, and even cards/emails from friends.
11. Minimize Distractions
A focused environment helps your child stay on task and make the most of their reading time.
- Limit screen time, especially before reading sessions. Having a schedule that enables your child to play outside or do a physical activity before reading can help their bodies feel ready to sit and read.
- If your child has trouble focusing, consider having them use a sensory item to busy their hands while reading. Some options include a little piece of playdough, stress ball, or squishy toy.
12. Partner with Your Child’s School
Collaboration with the school allows you to make sure you and your child’s teachers are on the same page.
- Stay in regular contact with teachers to monitor progress and get recommendations for at-home strategies. You can also ask to speak with the school’s reading specialist.
- Ask about school-based reading intervention programs that could provide additional support.
13. Set Realistic Goals
It is so helpful to be in tune with what kind of goals will be fitting for your child.
- Break progress into manageable steps, like mastering a few new words each week or finishing a short book.
- Track their achievements to show how far they’ve come. You can make a reward sticker chart or print an outline of one of your child’s favorite things and draw in part each time your child finishes their reading goal for that day. Setting and reaching goals keeps them motivated and focused.
Conclusion
Building confidence in struggling readers takes patience, encouragement, and consistency. By using these tips and creating a positive learning environment, you can help your child see reading as an opportunity, not an obstacle. Remember, programs like Savvy Learning are here to support you and your child every step of the way.
Ready to help your child become a more confident reader? Explore our expert tutoring programs and resources today!
FAQs
How do I know if my child is a struggling reader?
Struggling readers often show signs like avoiding reading, guessing words instead of decoding them, or becoming frustrated when asked to read aloud. You might also notice they struggle to keep up with their classmates or lack confidence during reading-related tasks. If you see these signs, it’s worth speaking to their teacher for insights and considering extra support at home.
What books are best for early readers?
Early readers thrive with books that match their skill level and interests. Look for books with simple sentences, repetitive phrases, rhyming, and engaging illustrations. Series like Bob Books or Elephant and Piggie are excellent because they balance fun with skill-building. Remember, books that spark excitement will encourage your child to read more.
When should I seek professional help for my child’s reading?
If your child continues to struggle despite consistent practice and support, or if reading challenges are affecting their self-esteem, it’s time to seek professional help. A reading specialist or tutoring program like Savvy Learning can provide tailored strategies to address their specific needs. Early intervention and consistency can make a world of difference in building their skills and confidence.
