A child who struggles with reading often decides, quietly, that they are 'bad at it'. Rebuilding confidence is just as important as rebuilding skills — and the two grow together.
Make success frequent
Choose books and lessons slightly below the level that frustrates your child, so they experience success often. Nothing builds confidence like the feeling of 'I can do this.'
Praise effort, not speed
Celebrate trying, sounding out, and not giving up — rather than how fast or perfectly your child reads. Effort is something every child can control.
Keep it short and pressure-free
Ten calm minutes a day beats a long, tense session. Never turn reading into a battle — a positive feeling about books is what keeps a struggling reader coming back.
Key takeaways
- Frequent small successes rebuild confidence.
- Praise effort rather than speed or perfection.
- Short, calm, daily practice keeps children willing to try.
References & further reading
- 2030 Reading Panel — the state of reading in South Africa
- Nal'ibali — South Africa's reading-for-enjoyment campaign
External sources open in a new tab. Saving Grace Education Group is not affiliated with these organisations.