How to Build Confidence in Children with Dyslexia Through Praise

"Since he's been working with you on his writing, he's become so much more confident and it's extended far beyond school"

That’s what a parent told me last week, and honestly it made my day.

Watching Confidence Grow

I’ve been tutoring her son Alex* for a couple of months. When we first met, writing was a real battle - he was reluctant to engage and thought of lots of creative ways to distract us from the focus of our sessions. But over the past few weeks, something amazing has happened.

Alex now wants to write. When I arrive, he goes straight to the table, eager to show me his work. He listens carefully, slows down his pace, and perfects each letter. It’s been a joy to watch this change unfold.

How Reading Confidence Spreads Beyond the Page

His mum said this new confidence has reached far beyond schoolwork.

At the library, for the first time, he wandered off to choose a book himself. Before, he struggled to leave her side. Even his after-school sport has improved. She thinks it’s because he’s feeling braver and more resilient, and I'm sure she's right.

Why Praise Matters Just as Much as Teaching

When Alex’s mum shared this, I knew it wasn’t only due to an improvement in his writing skills. It was also because of the importance I place on specific and immediate praise.

Children with dyslexia or reading and writing difficulties often experience higher anxiety and lower self-esteem. They face repeated corrections and setbacks, and it takes courage to keep trying.

That’s why I believe praise is as important as instruction. Not empty praise — intentional praise that tells a child exactly what they’re doing right and why it matters.

What Is Intentional Praise?

Intentional praise reinforces learning. It helps children recognise their strengths while guiding their next steps. For example:

• "Great work finger tracking, you read every word in that sentence!"

→ Reinforces accuracy and focus.

• "Good thinking, those letters do say that, but this word is tricky — it says was."

→ Confirms phonics knowledge while introducing exceptions.

I also praise self-corrections, careful thinking, or expressive reading. These small affirmations create momentum, and they show that progress is noticed and valued.

Turning Corrections into Confidence

The next time you’re helping your child with reading or writing, ask yourself:

👉 Can I turn this correction into praise?

👉 Can I highlight what went right before addressing what went wrong?

If you’d like structured support for this, try the correction method outlined in my Reading Skills Workbooks.

Starter Bundle - Workbooks for Children with Dyslexia

£69.95

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Helping Children with Dyslexia Thrive

Confidence doesn’t stay in one place. When a child starts to believe they can succeed at reading or writing, that belief spreads everywhere.

That’s why I created the Picturing Method, a dyslexia-friendly, multisensory approach that helps children read and write with confidence.

If you’d like personalised advice on how to support your child with dyslexia or reading difficulties, consider booking a Parent Support Session. You’ll get one hour of tailored guidance, practical strategies, and a clear plan to help your child succeed.

Let’s help more children believe in themselves — one word, one win, one moment of praise at a time.

Support Session (1 hour) - For Parents or Teaching Staff

£40.00

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For questions about the Reading Skills workbooks or dyslexia in general, feel free to email me at info@pictureprogress.com

To read more about dyslexia and how to get assessed, head to the British Dyslexia Association.