Why is patience important when teaching reading to struggling students?

Building reading skills in struggling students is a gradual process that necessitates time and consistent effort. Patience plays a crucial role in this context for several reasons.

Struggling students often face various challenges that can hinder their reading development, such as gaps in foundational skills, low self-esteem, or a lack of exposure to reading. When educators show patience, they create a supportive learning environment that fosters a sense of safety and encouragement. This can significantly enhance a student's motivation and willingness to engage with the material.

Encouragement paired with patience allows educators to tailor their approaches to meet the individual needs of each student. When students see that their efforts are recognized and valued, they are more likely to persevere through difficulties. Additionally, patience helps teachers recognize the small progress that students may make along the way, reinforcing the importance of incremental improvement and building a growth mindset.

In summary, patience is essential in teaching reading to struggling students because it cultivates motivation, encourages persistence, and acknowledges individual learning paces.