How to Build Reading Comprehension Skills
Discover actionable strategies to enhance your child's reading comprehension skills. Perfect for parents looking to support their child's literacy journey.
How to Build Reading Comprehension Skills
Every parent wants their child to succeed in school, yet many find themselves grappling with a common challenge: their child can read the words on the page but struggles to understand the story. If you've ever asked your child, "What did you just read?" only to be met with a blank stare, you're not alone.
Reading comprehension is crucial for academic success, and it can be especially frustrating when your child seems to be missing the point of the material. The good news? Reading comprehension is not an innate skill; it's one that can be developed with practice and effective strategies.
Here, we’ll explore several actionable techniques that you can implement tonight to build your child's reading comprehension skills.
Understanding Reading Comprehension
Before diving into strategies, it’s essential to clarify what we mean by reading comprehension. It goes beyond simply pronouncing words; it encompasses the ability to understand, interpret, and engage with text.
Why Comprehension Matters
According to the National Reading Panel, comprehension accounts for 60% of reading success, far surpassing the importance of decoding (the ability to sound out words). This gap is particularly pronounced for children learning English as a second language, who often face additional challenges such as limited vocabulary and unfamiliar cultural references (Stanford's Reading Lab).
Actionable Strategies to Improve Reading Comprehension
1. Ask Open-Ended Questions
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to boost comprehension is by engaging your child with open-ended questions after reading a story. Instead of asking, "Did you like the book?" consider questions like:
- "What do you think motivated the main character's actions?"
- "How would you feel if you were in that situation?"
- "Can you summarize what happened in the beginning, middle, and end?"
These questions encourage critical thinking and help your child make connections beyond the text. For example, after reading Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, you might ask, "Why do you think Charlotte decided to help Wilbur?"
2. Utilize Dialogic Reading Techniques
Dialogic reading is a method where parents and children engage in a dialogue about the book rather than just a one-sided reading. This approach promotes deeper comprehension as your child interacts with the text.
To implement dialogic reading, try the following:
- Prompt: Encourage your child to predict what might happen next in the story.
- Evaluate: Ask them to explain why they think a character acted a certain way.
- Expand: Use their responses to build on the story. For example, if your child mentions a character’s fear, you might elaborate on similar situations they've faced.
If you want to learn more about these techniques, check out our complete guide to dialogic reading.
3. Connect Stories to Real Life
Another powerful strategy is to relate the themes and events in books to your child's own experiences. This technique can significantly enhance their understanding and retention.
For instance, after reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, you could discuss how your child feels about trying new foods or changing from one thing to another as they grow up. Connecting the text to personal experiences makes the reading material more relevant and memorable.
Reading Aloud: A Vital Tool
The Importance of Reading Aloud
Reading aloud to your child is one of the best ways to foster comprehension. Research indicates that children who are read to regularly tend to have better vocabulary and comprehension skills (Dr. Grover Whitehurst).
Strategies for Effective Read-Aloud Sessions
- Use Expression: Vary your tone and volume to emphasize different parts of the story. This keeps your child engaged and helps them understand emotional nuances.
- Pause for Discussion: Stop periodically to ask questions or discuss the story. For example, while reading Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, pause to ask, "What do you think Max is feeling right now?"
- Encourage Predictions: Before turning the page, ask your child what they think will happen next. This promotes active engagement and critical thinking.
Incorporating Diverse Reading Materials
Introduce a Variety of Genres
Exposure to different genres—fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and graphic novels—can enhance your child's comprehension skills. Each genre presents unique structures and vocabulary.
- Fiction: Use storybooks like Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling to explore narrative structures.
- Non-Fiction: Introduce informational texts like National Geographic Kids to build factual comprehension.
- Poetry: Read poems by Shel Silverstein to encourage creative thinking and interpretation.
Create a Reading Routine
Establishing a regular reading routine can foster a love for reading and improve comprehension over time. Aim for 20 minutes of reading each day, incorporating both independent reading and read-aloud sessions.
For more in-depth techniques on enhancing reading skills, refer to our reading comprehension guide.
Conclusion: Building Skills Takes Time
Improving your child's reading comprehension skills may seem daunting, but with consistent practice and the right strategies, you can make a significant difference. Encourage discussions, relate stories to real-life experiences, and make reading an enjoyable and interactive activity.
By implementing these strategies, you're not just helping your child read; you're opening doors to a world of understanding and imagination.
About the Author
Written by Kelly Farmer, an ESL educator with 22 years of experience teaching English in Japan. Kelly founded Jabble English schools and created the WeRead Method while teaching his own bilingual child.
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For more strategies, see our article on Reading Tips For Parents for additional insights.