Why Confidence Matters
Children can find learning difficult sometimes.
They may be learning a new letter, trying to spell a word, practising handwriting or working out a maths problem.
When something feels difficult, confidence can make a difference to whether a child wants to keep trying.
Confidence does not mean getting everything right. It means feeling comfortable enough to have a go.
Learning Can Feel Hard
Children are learning new skills all the time.
Some skills may come easily, while others take much more practice.
A child who finds something difficult may quickly decide that they cannot do it.
Helping children understand that learning takes time can make difficult tasks feel more manageable.
Confidence Helps Children Have a Go
A confident child does not necessarily know the answer straight away.
They may simply feel willing to try.
Having a go gives children another opportunity to practise what they are learning.
Each attempt gives them another chance to remember, practise and improve the skill.
Mistakes Are Part of Learning
Children will make mistakes while they learn.
They may write the wrong letter, miss a sound, spell a word incorrectly or make a mistake in a maths problem.
These mistakes are a normal part of learning.
Getting something wrong does not mean a child cannot learn it.
It simply means they may need another opportunity to practise.
Encouragement Can Help
Simple encouragement can help children feel supported when something is difficult.
You might say:
- “Have another try.”
- “Take your time.”
- “You're working it out.”
- “Let's look at it together.”
- “It's okay if you don't know yet.”
These simple words can help children understand that they are not expected to know everything immediately.
Confidence Grows Through Practice
Children often become more confident when a skill becomes familiar.
Regular practice gives them repeated opportunities to use the skill.
Something that was difficult at first may gradually become easier.
As children notice that they can do something they could not do before, their confidence can grow.
Keep Practice Manageable
Practice does not need to be long to be useful.
Short activities can give children an opportunity to work on a skill without making learning feel overwhelming.
Choose a small amount of practice and give your child time to complete it.
Small successful experiences can help children feel more comfortable with learning.
Let Children Do Some of the Thinking
It can be tempting to give children the answer when they are struggling.
Sometimes, however, giving a small prompt allows them to work something out for themselves.
You might ask:
- “What do you remember?”
- “What sound can you hear?”
- “What could you try?”
- “What comes next?”
- “Can you have another think?”
Working something out for themselves can give children another opportunity to build confidence.
Notice Small Improvements
Learning progress is not always easy to see.
Your child may remember one more letter, form a letter more accurately, hear a sound more clearly or spell a word they could not spell before.
These small improvements matter.
Noticing progress can help children see that their practice is making a difference.
Do Not Compare Children
Children do not all learn at the same speed.
One child may quickly remember a new word while another child may need many more opportunities to practise it.
Comparing children can make learning feel like a competition.
Instead, focus on your child's own progress.
Confidence Does Not Mean Everything Is Easy
A confident learner will still have difficult days.
They will still forget things, make mistakes and sometimes need help.
Confidence simply means being willing to keep trying when something is challenging.
Children can be confident learners even when they do not know the answer.
Give Children Time to Build Confidence
Confidence develops through experience.
Children need opportunities to try, practise, make mistakes and try again.
When adults give children time to work through difficulties, children can begin to discover what they are capable of doing.
This can help them become more willing to tackle new skills.
Keep Learning Positive
Children are more likely to keep trying when learning does not feel like a constant test.
Keep activities simple, give encouragement and allow your child to take breaks when they need one.
There is no need to turn every mistake into a correction.
Sometimes the best response is simply to encourage your child to have another go.
Australian Educational Resources for Children
Children benefit from opportunities to practise important skills in a calm and supportive way.
Our Australian educational resources give families practical ways to support learning at home, including handwriting, phonics, spelling, maths and other early learning skills.
Resources are available across Australian state and territory handwriting styles, helping families choose educational resources that match the handwriting style used at school.
Help Your Child Keep Trying
Confidence grows through practice, encouragement and experience.
Give your child opportunities to have a go, make mistakes, try again and notice their own progress.
Remind them that they do not need to know everything straight away.
Sometimes building confidence simply starts with helping a child believe they can have another go.
