{"id":42596,"date":"2024-01-02T01:35:08","date_gmt":"2024-01-02T07:35:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.allaboutlearningpress.com\/?p=42596"},"modified":"2024-01-04T14:57:23","modified_gmt":"2024-01-04T20:57:23","slug":"helping-kids-deal-with-perfectionism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.allaboutlearningpress.com\/helping-kids-deal-with-perfectionism\/","title":{"rendered":"Helping Kids Deal with Perfectionism While Reading"},"content":{"rendered":"

Perfectionism is a challenge that many students face, and not only does it take the enjoyment out of learning to read<\/a>, but it can severely block a student\u2019s progress. Take a look at some effective strategies for helping kids deal with perfectionism while learning how to read.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\"a\r\n\r\n

Students can face many challenges while learning how to read, but perfectionism is often overlooked. A student\u2019s perfectionist tendencies can be frustrating for parents and teachers, but it is even more frustrating for the student. These students often develop a fear of failure that creates anxiety and prevents them from experiencing the joys of reading. But there are strategies that can help students, teachers, and parents overcome this challenge. Keep reading to discover our 10 best tips for helping kids deal with perfectionism while learning how to read.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

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  1. Normalize Mistakes<\/h3>

    It is important for students to know that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. When students are afraid to make mistakes, they hold themselves back from trying new things. Explain to your student that mistakes provide valuable opportunities for growth and improvement. You can also try sharing stories about how even adults make errors while reading or learning new things.<\/p><\/li>\r\n\r\n

  2. Praise Effort, Not Perfection<\/h3>

    A great way to help students overcome perfectionism is by not focusing solely on perfect pronunciation and fluency. Instead, praise your student for putting in the effort, sounding out words, or trying to read independently. This helps encourage a mindset shift that will benefit them not just in the journey to reading fluency<\/a>, but in many aspects of life.<\/p>

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  3. Set Realistic Goals<\/h3>

    It\u2019s good to set goals for your student, but they need to be realistic. Set achievable reading goals that are tailored to their level, and break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps to avoid overwhelming your student.<\/p><\/li>\r\n\r\n

  4. Encourage a Growth Mindset<\/h3>

    Another mentality shift that will help your student inside and outside of the classroom is adopting a growth mindset. Make sure your student understands that their abilities are not fixed and that they can be improved with practice and perseverance. Instead of saying \u201cI can\u2019t read,\u201d teach them to say \"I can't read YET, but I\u2019m learning.\"<\/p><\/li>\r\n\r\n

  5. Model Positive Attitudes<\/h3>

    Students learn from the behavior of the adults around them, so strive to be a good role model for your student. Try to demonstrate the benefits of having a positive attitude toward challenges and trying new things, and share stories of how you overcame struggles by handling them with optimism and determination.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\"a<\/li>\r\n\r\n

  6. Make Reading Fun<\/h3>

    Being a perfectionist can make it hard to have fun while reading. If you can make reading fun, kids won\u2019t take it \u2014 or themselves \u2014 so seriously. Try incorporating playful and enjoyable reading activities into your student's routine, such as using funny voices, acting out dialogue, playing reading and literacy games<\/a>, and choosing books or magazines that align with their interests.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

    Here are a few reading and spelling games we love:<\/p>