Reading is an essential skill that is vital to success both in and out of the classroom. Confident readers are able to understand and engage with a wide range of texts, allowing them to excel academically and beyond.
However, many students struggle with reading due to learning disabilities like dyslexia or ADHD, a lack of interest, or other factors.
As educators and homeschoolers, it is our responsibility to help build confident readers. Here are ten effective ways to do just that.
I was compensated for my time to write this post. All opinions are my own. Affiliate links to products you might like are included in this article.
Building Confident Readers
Model Good Reading Habits
Children are always watching and learning from adults, so make sure they see you engaging with books and other reading materials.
Set aside time each day to read something for pleasure and let your child see you doing so.
Provide a Variety of Reading Materials
Different students have different interests and learning styles, so make sure to offer a wide range of reading materials.
This includes fiction and non-fiction books, comic books, magazines, newspapers, brochures (my students used to love brochures from other states and local attractions!), and more.
If your student struggles with reading, look for high-interest, low-level books that are age/grade-appropriate but on a lower reading level.
Remember, fifth graders don’t want to be reading Step One books!
Read Aloud Together
Reading aloud together is a powerful way to build fluency and comprehension skills.
Choose books that interest your child and take turns reading aloud to each other. Make it fun and low-pressure.
In the classroom, this could look like reading aloud to you as the teacher during reading center time.
Don’t make struggling readers read aloud to the entire class! It is one of the worst things you can do and will not build confidence!
Encourage Independent Reading
Let your students/children choose their own books and give them time to read independently. This helps build confidence and encourages a love of reading.
If you have provided a wide variety of reading material, your students should be able to find something that they enjoy!
Use BuddyBooks to Improve Fluency
BuddyBooks by ObjectiveEd is a tool designed to help struggling readers improve their reading fluency.
It uses a computer-based format in which the computer and the student take turns reading the text aloud, one section at a time.
This is especially helpful for students with learning disabilities like dyslexia and ADHD.
One of the key components of BuddyBooks is that it records the student reading aloud, analyzes the speech, and provides feedback on the accuracy of the reading.
This can be incredibly motivating for students as they can see and hear what they read correctly and where they need to improve.
For teachers and homeschooling parents, BuddyBooks gives inside access to understanding where and how their student struggles.
They can see the student’s accuracy scores and hear the student reading.
This makes it easy to know what to focus on to help students be successful.
BuddyBooks would have been a game-changer for my oldest when he was younger, and struggled with reading fluency because of his dyslexia!
For students with IEPs and officially diagnosed reading disabilities, BuddyBooks connects with Bookshare to bring in over a million high-interest books that work with the software.
Bookshare is a free service for eligible students until they turn 18 and really makes the BuddyBooks software an integral part of helping struggling readers become more confident ones.
If you suspect your homeschooled child has dyslexia or other reading disability and would qualify for Bookshare, you can purchase the NeuroLearning App and have your student assessed.
If your child does not qualify for Bookshare, BuddyBooks will actually reimburse you for the cost of the app! Learn more about their partnership and the guarantee here!
Use the exclusive code JQ-MTM to save $100 on the cost of BuddyBooks through July 16th, 2023!
Build Vocabulary
A strong vocabulary is essential for comprehension. Encourage your child to look up unfamiliar words and use them in sentences.
Play word games like UpWords or Scrabble to build their working vocabulary.
Ask Questions
Engage your child in conversation about what they are reading. Ask open-ended questions that encourage critical thinking and discussion.
This helps build comprehension skills and encourages a deeper understanding of the text.
When students feel confident talking about the text, they become more confident with their reading as they understand that they can comprehend it.
Create a Comfortable Reading Environment
Make sure your child has a quiet, comfortable place to read. This could be a cozy corner in their bedroom or a special spot in the living room.
Feeling comfortable in their surroundings helps them become more comfortable and confident with their reading.
Celebrate Successes
Celebrate your child’s successes, no matter how small. This will help build confidence and encourage them to continue reading.
Make Reading Fun
Reading should be enjoyable! Encourage your child to find books that interest them, and don’t be afraid to incorporate games, activities, and other fun elements into reading time.
Building confident readers is essential for success both in and out of the classroom.
By using a variety of strategies, including BuddyBooks, classroom and home educators can help struggling readers improve their fluency and comprehension skills.
With patience, dedication, and a budding love of reading, all students can become confident, engaged readers.