How to Increase Self-Esteem When Readers Struggle

If you are a parent of a struggling reader, you will see determination lead to tears. Helping you child read one word, when the next one stumps him just as much as the first, is an exercise in patience and endurance. You find that helping read the words won’t help him learn the skill to read. As a mom who could once make things better with encouragement, there is no bandage for children who are frustrated with reading. They know that they are not on grade level reading. They see their friends take home chapter books, and they are still reading short books. They hear their peers read aloud and know that they themselves hesitate, correct, and struggle much more than playmates at recess.

Frustrated with my son’s own frustration, I called a clinic meeting with his teachers to explain that what once was a good time to cuddle and read is now a battlefield, ending in tears. We came up with plan to use easier-to-read books that resemble chapter books, so he feels like he is progressing faster than he is. We also figured out how to reinforce his strengths and give his lots of praise and opportunities for the things that he does well: anything with numbers. Yet, with these steps, his is reluctant to attend school and has cried that he doesn’t want to go because of reading. He is too young to be asking to stay home, pretending that he is sick and counting down the days until weekend or vacation. According to an article by Imagine This!, struggling readers often can be characterized by “might start acting out in class or responding with negative feedback. They often use self-defeating phrases.” I see that we are there – and this list of pointers to “turning their negative thoughts into positive ones” is going to come in handy.

Imagine This! provides ten ways to increase your struggling reader’s self-esteem:

1. Explain that how well she reads has nothing to do with her intelligence. Every person is unique and has to learn in the way that is best for them.
2. Encourage him by setting realistic goals that allow for many small successes.
3. Chart her progress so that she can see improvement.
4. Help him find reading materials at his reading level that are interesting to him.
5. Help her break up assignments into smaller, more manageable parts.
6. Provide goal-based praise rather than person-oriented praise, such as, “You did a great job sounding out those words” rather than, “I’m proud of you.” This will help him focus on the task he accomplished well.
7. Show patience. How you react to her reading difficulties will set the tone of the experience. Your patience will help her learn patience with herself and will help her feel safe as she practices reading.
8. Give frequent praise. Learning to read is difficult and can easily turn into a stressful experience. Your praise will help create a positive reading experience.
9. Help her focus on the positive. Have her list 10 things she likes about herself, including things she can do well.
10. Tailor instruction to his learning style. Some students are visual learners, some are auditory learners, and some are hands-on learners. By teaching with a variety of learning styles, you provide opportunities for him to succeed in his area of learning.

The more confident I am in his abilities, makes him more confident in himself. We’re getting there.

Perfect Man by Troy Wilson (Book Review)

Title: Perfect Man

Author: Troy Wilson
Illustrator: Dean Griffiths
Published: 2004 Orca Book Publishing
ISBN: 1551434350

Jump into the world of an ordinary boy, “Michael Maxwell McAllum was the smallest boy in his class. He lived in a small house in a small town on a small street.” He idolizes Perfect Man, a crime fighting super hero. The story begins when Perfect Man announces his retirement. Michael isn’t sad to hear this news because he believes that Perfect Man will reappear when needed. The school year begins and Michael has a new teacher. Mr. Clark is the perfect teacher. He seems to be everywhere at once and explains information about planets as if he had actually been there. Through his thinning hair and rounded stomach, Michael believes he recognizes his idol, Perfect Man. Mr. Clark helps Michael to discover his own super power.

This book would make a great read for parents, teachers, and children who love super hero stories. The fun, vibrant illustrations will capture the attention of all audiences. Choose this book as a beginning of the year read aloud or use it to encourage children to read and write. Perfect Man reminds us to look within for our special talents.

Discussion Starters

• What is a hero?
• Who is a hero in your life?
• What makes that person a hero?
• Think of a time when you were someone’s hero. Explain.
• What is your super power?

If you like this book, try some of the other books by Orca Book Publishers.

Conversation with Troy Wilson A podcast interview with the author.