Build Reading and Writing Confidence

October 15, 2024
Written by:
Guest Author
Elementary Homeschool, Homeschool Language Arts, Homeschooling Curriculum

Guest post by Lincoln Learning Solutions

As a homeschool parent, instilling a love for reading in your child is incredibly important. Strong literacy skills are the first step to building a solid foundation for future instruction. Reading, however, does not come easy to all students. What do you do when you see your child struggling with literacy concepts?

When reading and writing become frustrating for your child, their confidence will be affected, too. Our literacy experts have shared tips for boosting your child’s reading confidence at any age.

Start with the Basics

A quick way to build confidence is to start with something familiar and less frustrating.

Reading Tips for K-2

  • Review familiar sight words.
  • Practice forming letters.
  • Practice writing basic words.

Reading Tips for Grades 3-5

  • Take turns reading a favorite book.
  • Use easy readers to start.
  • Discuss what your child knows about the topic.

Reading Tips for Grades 6-12

  • Focus on your child’s favorite genre.
  • Research familiar authors.
  • Look at past writing assignments.

When approaching reading and writing in a homeschool setting, starting with the basics can help your child feel more connected with the materials. It can also help to create a less stressful atmosphere for both of you.

Slowly Introduce New Challenges

When trying difficult concepts, start slow. Doing so can help your child become more eager to challenge themselves. You want them to feel at ease before beginning a more challenging task.

K-2

  • Focus on improving the basics.
  • Incorporate familiar assignments or previous work.

Grades 3-5

  • Review the writing process, including writing complete sentences or paragraphs.
  • Read a short story or poem together or independently.
  • Ask your child to add one more sentence/paragraph or a few more words to a writing assignment.

Grades 6-12

  • Determine your child’s prior knowledge of the content within the reading or writing assignment.
  • Start with punctuation errors.
  • Have your child correct assignments before you check them over.
  • Look at similar examples of writing assignments to get ideas and to avoid plagiarism.

Remember to keep these ideas in mind when introducing tasks that may lead to frustration. When your child feels more confident, they may ask to be challenged.

Make It Enjoyable

One of the best ways to learn or improve a skill is to make learning fun! Use the following tips and tricks to present reading and writing in alternative ways:

K-2

  • Incorporate art tools into reading and writing time.
  • Use online resources like YouTube or an interactive, adaptable homeschool curriculum, such as Lincoln Empowered.
  • If you choose an online curriculum provider, be sure they include hands-on, offline activities in addition to interactive online content.
  • Offer plenty of brain breaks.

Grades 3-5

  • Help your child create a dedicated learning space.
  • Encourage your child to read a book or write a letter to a loved one.
  • Use a favorite device rather than a traditional book.
  • Allow your child to choose the writing topic.

Grades 6-12

  • Encourage your child to explore different written works by their favorite authors.
  • Incorporate music into reading and writing time.
  • Visit the local library and help your child browse for a new book.
  • Have your child create a PowerPoint slideshow, poster presentation, or video about their book or writing assignment.
  • Get involved in your child’s enjoyment by asking them questions or acting out a part in a favorite story.
  • Be creative and have fun!

Self-Reflection

Self-reflection is an important part of building your child’s confidence in reading and writing. Begin by giving them more control. Here are examples of self-reflection questions:

What am I doing well? How can I improve? What goals can I set?
What challenges have I overcome? What have I learned about myself?

It’s important to be supportive during this process. Let your child know they are learning, not failing. Being positive can help boost their confidence.

Lincoln Learning’s homeschool catalog offers more than 200 core, honors, electives, and specialty courses. All course content is designed to support individual student learning styles and can be customized for auditory, kinesthetic, or visual learners.

All courses are self-paced with no virtual or streamed teacher sessions, giving your student the flexibility to learn any time or anywhere. You have the option to choose auto-graded courses or courses with teacher services to ensure the best learning experience for your child.

With an online Help Center, support videos, a live chat, and a homeschool Facebook community, support is just a click away.

If you are new to homeschooling, always check the homeschool laws in your state prior to making a purchase. You may need to discuss educational options for your child with your local school or district prior to enrolling in any homeschool program.

As you begin this journey with your child, remember to have confidence in yourself. Every bit of extra practice you initiate will help your child become a better reader or writer. You CAN do this, and so can your child. Now take these tips and start your adventure today!

 

#HOMESCHOOL READING