Image credit: Copyright Maisie Paradise Shearring
Building confidence
Confidence in reading rarely disappears overnight. More often, it fades quietly after repeated difficulties. A book that felt too long. A page that looked overwhelming. A sense of always needing more time than others.
Over time, reading can stop feeling like something a child can do and start feeling like something to avoid.
This is particularly true for dyslexic readers, struggling readers and children who have become reluctant after repeated difficulty.
Rebuilding confidence starts with helping children experience reading as something they can manage, return to and even enjoy again.
When confidence takes a knock
Children who avoid reading often protect themselves. Avoidance can be a response to pressure, comparison, or fear of mistakes. Even capable readers may step back if reading is linked to stress.
Confidence begins to return when reading no longer feels like a performance. When expectations are lowered and comparisons are removed, children are more willing to engage with text intentionally, rather than just look at books from a distance.
Finishing a chapter, or even an entire book, can be a powerful moment. Even with some support, it provides proof that they can read.
Practical ways to support confidence
Keep reading achievable
Short reading moments help children build momentum without feeling overwhelmed. Ending a session while it still feels manageable makes it easier to return.
Share the reading load
Reading together remains valuable well beyond the early years. For older children, reading alongside an adult with individual copies of the same book can feel more comfortable than sharing a single copy. This helps remove pressure and keeps reading collaborative rather than monitored.
Choose books that invite success
Book design matters. Careful letter and line spacing greatly improve readability, while dyslexia-friendly fonts reduce confusion between similar letters. Cream or off-white paper reduces glare, which can be uncomfortable for some readers, and works well with tinted overlays.
Books that feel visually manageable can do more for confidence than books chosen to look impressive.
Helping children experience success with reading
The appeal of Barrington Stoke lies in the stories themselves. These are books children want to read, with strong plots, engaging characters and writing that respects the reader.
Behind this is a publisher with over 25 years’ experience creating books for struggling, reluctant, and neurodivergent readers. Dyslexia-friendly fonts, cream paper, shorter chapters, and careful editing make reading more accessible without losing depth or emotion. The authors are widely recognised and highly regarded in children’s publishing, bringing stories that are rich, funny, moving and worth reading.
Their work has helped many children who have felt shut out of reading find a way back in, and we are grateful to share their books with the SEND EDventures community.
Our Giveaway
We are delighted to partner with Barrington Stoke once again to offer families a chance to win a set of five books designed for struggling, reluctant, and neurodivergent readers.
The winner will receive a set of five books selected to suit their child’s reading stage. Where possible, reading preferences such as interests or confidence level will also be taken into account.
How to enter
Subscribe to SEND EDventures using the Barrington Stoke giveaway subscription box below. Simply enter your details, and you will be added to the prize draw.
Giveaway deadline: 20th June 2026
Good luck.
Terms and Conditions
• Open to UK residents aged 18.
• One entry per household.
• Entrants must subscribe using the Barrington Stoke giveaway subscription box.
• Winners will be selected at random and informed privately by email. If no response is received within 2 days, another winner will be selected.
• Prizes are non-exchangeable, and no cash alternative is available.
• SEND EDventures reserves the right to withdraw or amend the giveaway if necessary.
• By entering, you agree to receive SEND EDventures email updates.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general interest and should not be considered medical, therapeutic or educational advice. Families are encouraged to seek support from qualified professionals regarding individual needs or concerns
