Learning to read is an exciting milestone in a child’s life, but for many, it can also be a source of frustration and self-doubt. Some children may hesitate to read aloud, struggle with certain words, or feel discouraged when they don’t progress as quickly as their peers. This lack of confidence can make reading feel more like a chore than a fun and valuable skill.

As parents, one of the best things you can do is help your child build confidence in their reading abilities. A confident reader is more likely to enjoy books, develop stronger comprehension skills, and become a lifelong learner.

If your child is hesitant about reading, don’t worry! With patience, encouragement, and the right strategies, you can transform their experience and help them read with confidence.

Here are five proven ways to support your child in developing their reading skills while boosting their self-esteem.

Celebrate Small Wins

One of the most effective ways to build your child’s reading confidence is by celebrating their progress—no matter how small. Children thrive on positive reinforcement, and acknowledging their achievements makes them feel capable and motivated to continue improving.

Even tiny victories, like reading a new word correctly, finishing a short book, or sounding out a tricky letter blend, deserve praise. The goal is to help them associate reading with positive emotions instead of stress or anxiety.

Practical Tip:

• Create a reading progress chart where your child earns stickers or rewards for each book they complete.
• Offer verbal encouragement—simple phrases like “I love how you figured out that word!” can boost their confidence.
• Set up a celebration ritual, like a special bedtime story or a trip to the library, when they achieve milestones.

By focusing on progress instead of perfection, you’ll create an environment where your child feels encouraged to keep trying.

Make Reading Fun and Interactive

If reading feels like a chore, children are less likely to engage with it. But when reading becomes an interactive and exciting experience, they naturally develop confidence in their abilities.

Engage your child with storytelling, role-playing, and hands-on activities that bring books to life. Reading doesn’t have to be limited to sitting quietly with a book—it can be a multi-sensory experience that stimulates their imagination.

Practical Tip:

• Use fun voices and sound effects when reading aloud together.
• Let your child act out scenes from their favorite stories using costumes or props.
• Explore interactive reading tools, like read-along audiobooks or digital books with animations.
• Encourage them to be the storyteller and make up their own stories based on the pictures in a book.

When children see reading as an enjoyable activity rather than a challenge, their confidence naturally grows.

Provide a Judgment-Free Environment 

Many children hesitate to read aloud because they fear making mistakes or being corrected too harshly. Creating a safe and supportive reading environment helps them feel comfortable taking risks and learning from their errors.

Instead of immediately pointing out mistakes, allow your child to self-correct. If they mispronounce a word, give them a moment to figure it out on their own before offering gentle guidance. Emphasize effort over perfection, so they feel encouraged rather than discouraged.

Practical Tip:

• Pause before correcting—sometimes kids will notice their mistake and fix it themselves.
• Instead of saying, “That’s wrong,” try saying, “Let’s try that word again together!”
• Focus on comprehension rather than flawless pronunciation—ask, “What do you think that word means?”

When children feel supported instead of pressured, they are more likely to build confidence and keep trying.

Read Aloud Together 

Shared reading time is a powerful confidence booster for children learning to read. When you read aloud together, your child gets to hear fluent reading, develop better pronunciation, and practice in a low-pressure setting.

One effective method is paired reading, where you and your child take turns reading sentences or paragraphs. This allows them to follow along while still participating actively.

Practical Tip:

• Choose books slightly below their reading level so they feel successful.
• Let them repeat after you to mimic your fluency and pronunciation.
• Ask engaging questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” to build comprehension skills.

Reading together not only builds skills but also strengthens your bond with your child, making reading a more enjoyable experience.

Choose Books That Match Their Interests

Children are much more likely to stay engaged and feel confident if they are reading about topics they genuinely enjoy. A child who loves dinosaurs, for example, will be excited to read a book about prehistoric creatures—even if it’s challenging.

Graphic novels, comic books, and illustrated stories are also great options for reluctant readers. The combination of visuals and text can make the reading process feel more approachable and engaging.

Practical Tip:

• Visit a library or bookstore and let your child choose their own books.
• Try different formats—picture books, graphic novels, joke books, or magazines.
• Find books related to their favorite hobbies, TV shows, or interests to keep them engaged.

Giving your child autonomy in choosing books helps them develop ownership over their reading journey, which builds confidence over time.

Speak to a Reading Expert

Helping your child gain confidence in reading is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. By celebrating small wins, making reading fun, creating a supportive environment, reading together, and choosing books that spark their interest, you can transform reading from a challenge into a joyful and rewarding experience.

At Read Smart, we specialize in helping children in Pre-K through 6th grade in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, and Owasso develop the reading skills and confidence they need to thrive. Our expert educators use proven strategies to support struggling readers and empower them to succeed.

Does your child need a confidence boost in reading? We can help!

Contact Read Smart today at (918) 559-7323 to schedule a free reading assessment and give your child the tools they need to become a confident reader!