Boosting Reading Confidence After The Holidays

It can always be tough for students to get back into the swing of things after a break away from school, but especially following the Christmas holidays. For children with dyslexia, returning to reading after some time away can feel daunting, and parents may notice a drop in confidence, while teachers might notice more hesitancy in reading aloud or engaging with text. 

Here at The Dyslexia Shop, we know how tough it can be. That is why we thought we would use this blog to take a look at some small changes you can make to help boost reading confidence this January. 

Why is there a post-holiday dip?

Research has shown that many children experience a temporary regression in their literacy skills following an extended break from school. This is often known as ‘learning loss’ and is usually more pronounced for children with additional learning needs, such as dyslexia. 

For dyslexic learners, reading requires more cognitive effort, so time away from routine practice can lead to frustration or self-doubt. It’s important to remember that this is not a failure, but simply a signal that confidence and structure need to be gently re-established. 

How to rebuild reading confidence

When it comes to helping dyslexic learners regain their reading confidence after some time away, here are some top tips to keep in mind:

Confidence grows from success, so begin with short reading sessions using familiar or previously enjoyed texts. Re-reading is particularly powerful for dyslexic learners, as it builds fluency without the pressure of decoding unfamiliar words. Books with dyslexia-friendly formatting, such as larger spacing, tinted backgrounds, and clear fonts, can also reduce visual stress and make reading feel more manageable. 

Reading aloud can be a major source of anxiety for dyslexic children. At home, shared reading, where an adult and child take turns, can ease this pressure, while in classrooms, allowing pupils to follow along silently or use audio support can help them stay engaged without fear of embarrassment. Assistive tools such as reading rulers or coloured overlays can also help pupils track text more comfortably, supporting focus and reducing fatigue. 

Dyslexia is not linked to intelligence, but to differences in how the brain processes language. Multisensory approaches, those that engage sight, sound and touch, are widely recommended for supporting dyslexic readers, so consider incorporating audiobooks, tinted exercise books, or highlighting key words to improve comprehension. 

Consistency matters more than duration, and just ten minutes of relaxed reading each day is far more beneficial than long, stressful sessions. Creating a predictable routine helps children feel safe and supported, especially after the disruption of the holidays, and using visual timetables, checklists or timers can be particularly helpful for dyslexic learners who struggle with organisation or working memory. 

One of the most important confidence boosters is language. Praising effort, perseverance and strategies helps children develop a growth mindset, and research shows that positive reinforcement plays a key role in motivation and long-term learning success. 

Strong communication between home and school is vital, and teachers can share strategies that work in class, while parents can reinforce them at home using similar tools and approaches. This consistency reassures children and helps them feel understood, while practical resources, such as dyslexia-friendly stationery, visual aids, and reading supports, can be used seamlessly across both settings, helping children feel prepared rather than singled out. 

Start the year with confidence

If you want to ensure your child is able to start 2026 in the right way and help them rediscover their love for reading, then these simple steps can support them in rediscovering their confidence and enjoyment of the written word. 

At The Dyslexia Shop, we have a complete range of products designed to help all students with their learning, so check out the range today or contact our team, who can help you find the right products for your needs!