Introduction
Embarking on the journey to become a skilled and confident reader presents a unique set of challenges for every child. One essential aspect that can significantly impact their learning journey is fostering a positive “I can” mindset, particularly for those kids grappling with reading difficulties. Throughout this blog post, we will delve deep into the key strategies for cultivating this empowering attitude. We will also closely examine the intricate factors that influence student achievement and discuss the importance of considering a well-balanced approach to help them thrive.
Understanding the “I Can” Mindset
Cultivating the “I can” mindset is about more than just reading skills—it’s about nurturing a belief that with effort and perseverance, obstacles can be overcome. By fostering this growth mindset, children are better equipped to confront challenges head-on and transform their approach to learning.
Example: Meet Sarah, a fifth-grader who struggled with reading due to dyslexia. With the encouragement of her parents, tutor, and teachers, she began embracing each small reading achievement. Over time, Sarah’s confidence grew as she learned the proper skills and adopted an “I can improve with practice” attitude. This mindset shift helped her tackle reading challenges and boosted confidence. In conclusion, changing her mindset allowed her to start becoming curious about learning instead of seeing it as a dread.
Factors Influencing Student Success
Having an unstructured life can cause chaos and stress. Hence, creating an environment that fosters growth and positivity is pivotal to a child’s reading success. This encompasses a supportive network of educators, parents, and peers, offering encouragement and guidance tailored to each child’s individual needs.
Example: Let’s consider Jake, a second-grader who grappled with pronouncing words correctly. His tutor noticed his struggle and would have him practice saying the words a few times throughout the lesson. She also taught him that it was okay to make mistakes because she was there to help. With a safe environment, consistent practice, and explicit instruction, Jake started pronouncing his words more accurately.
Balancing Approaches: Nurturing vs. Challenging
Striking a delicate balance between providing support and presenting challenges is essential. Overwhelming difficulties can lead to discouragement, while a lack of challenges can hinder growth and progress. It is important that those who are educating kids help the kids embrace their emotions and do hard things. This is why tailoring instruction is so important.
Example: Maya, a sixth-grader, was reading below her grade level. Her teacher introduced her to a slightly more challenging book that still fell within her capabilities. As Maya tackled the book with guidance from her teacher, chapter by chapter, she experienced a sense of accomplishment. She developed a newfound belief in her ability to conquer complex texts.
Difficulties in Balancing Approaches
Admittedly, balancing when to offer help and when to encourage independent problem-solving can be challenging. This requires a keen understanding of a child’s frustration level and progress in their learning journey.
Kids need to practice feeling uncomfortable in a safe environment.
For this reason, I believe that kids should be encouraged to read books even if they are harder. However, if they are a struggling reader, you will want to be intentional about helping them build the skills needed, listening to them read aloud daily, and giving corrective feedback.
Example: David, a third-grader, often faced unfamiliar words while reading. His parents noticed his tendency to give up when confronted with challenges. They decided to sit down with him, decode the words together, and explore their meanings. This approach empowered David to expand his vocabulary and develop the resilience needed to tackle unfamiliar words independently.
Impact of an “I Can” Attitude
Cultivating an “I can” mindset transcends the realm of reading—it influences a child’s outlook on challenges across various subjects and life situations.
Undoubtedly, learning new things is often super hard, with highs and lows along the journey. But when we teach our kids to ask, “How can I change my mindset?” It makes them see it more like a game than a dredge!
Are you modeling how to have an “I can” mindset for them? It is healthy to share with your kids that you still have things you fail in, but you are always learning.
How Can I Change My Mindset?: Gradual and Positive Progress
Shifting mindsets involves acknowledging that change is a gradual process built upon incremental achievements.
It is being willing to reach out and ask for help from someone who is ahead of you!
How do you eat an elephant in a day? One bite at a time!
Encourage your child to embrace the road bumps but always show up and give their best effort.
With time they will start to blossom!
Example: James, a seventh-grader, set out to read a challenging novel that his older sister had recommended. The book was far more complex than his usual reads. James established a daily goal of reading and celebrating each completed chapter as a small victory. He finished the book with consistent effort and realized that his persistence and determination had expanded his reading horizons.
Join my Small Group Literacy Classes
To further support struggling readers, I’ve curated online small-group literacy classes. These classes are designed to enhance essential reading skills and foster the “I can” mindset. Through engaging activities, individualized attention, and a strong sense of community, I empower children to confront challenges and flourish as capable readers confidently.
Conclusion
In summary, nurturing a positive “I can” mindset within children navigating reading challenges is multifaceted. Furthermore, achieving this goal involves striking a harmonious balance between a supportive environment and appropriately challenging experiences. By fostering this mindset, we facilitate reading progress and lay the foundation for their broader journey in education and personal growth. As we guide young learners toward a mindset of resilience and determination, we equip them with tools that will serve them well beyond the realm of reading.
Read More:
A great book club for readers of all ages
**References:**
1. Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
2. Hattie, J. (2012). Visible learning for teachers: Maximizing impact on learning. Routledge.
3. Eccles, J. S., & Wigfield, A. (2002). Motivational beliefs, values, and goals. Annual Review of Psychology, 53(1), 109-132.
**Websites for Further Reading:**
– Edutopia: https://www.edutopia.org/
– Reading Rockets: http://www.readingrockets.org/