Confidence building is they key to reading success.

Vera Goldman in her book Reading is More Than Phonics describes the importance of fostering confidence in the students we read with.

“Confidence building is the key to reading success. The trick is to talk positively, to assure the children that we believe in them until they have had the time and experience to believe in themselves. For young children this involves keeping from them any hint that we are worried that they won’t become skillful readers.

Childhood is a fragile time. Confidence is a flame that can be extinguished by a little puff of doubt. Reading is especially subject to the winds of doubt. It involves risk-taking and beginners must see themselves as successful before they are capable. The learner must be invited, form the beginning, to behave like a reader.

Self-talk is one way in which children give themselves instructions. They actively create their own learning from the information they receive. The ability to learn effectively is determined by their emotional state and it is self-talk that determines how they feel. The kind of self-talk we want to cultivate is, “It’s o.k. It’s a little tough, but I can do it!”

Attitude has a great influence on learning. Enjoyment and pleasure are transmitted quickly. So are frustration and disappointment. Children are often hard on themselves and can become easily discouraged. Because discouraged readers are often harder to get on track than beginners they, in particular, need your positive support and enthusiasm. I cannot stress too much the importance of maintaining this kind of confidence.”