Good readers are constantly interacting with the texts they are reading. They use background knowledge, ask questions about the content and create mental models about what they have read. Readers understand what is happening in the story and can make inferences about character motivation. All of these skills are a part of reading comprehension. Having good comprehension helps readers absorb and analyze a text with greater ease. So, what can parents do to help their children grow their comprehension skills? Check out some of the resources we offer to help children become confident readers.
Develop Background Knowledge
Children draw on personal experiences when reading. By providing them with exposure to a variety of experiences and vocabulary, you are giving them an opportunity to build background knowledge. Take advantage of our Museum Pass program to expose your child to new experiences - from witnessing animals at zoos, viewing artwork and learning about American History. Then when your child sits down with a book, they have context about what they are reading.
Pair up themed fiction and nonfiction books for your child. Did your child pick up a chapter book about a mystery that occurred in Ancient Egypt? Check out nonfiction books about the pyramids and Egyptian culture. Watch a documentary on Kanopy Kids. Let your child explore one of our online databases especially geared toward them.
The more a child learns about the times and setting of a story, the easier it will be for them to create a deeper and meaningful understanding of their book.
Listening is Reading
Listening to stories can be fun for all, but it can be especially helpful for kids who are struggling with comprehension. Sometimes children who are still learning to read spend so much brain power sounding out and identifying words, that they struggle to understand what occurred in the story. Children might also be auditory learners. In this case, they would benefit from listening to the story alone or following along with the story being read to them. We have multiple ways for children to listen and absorb a book.
Practicing Comprehension Strategies
Finally, practice makes perfect. Scholastic Teachables has a variety of material to help your child practice comprehension skills.
- Strategy Worksheets - Reading comprehension strategies vary depending on if your child is focusing on cause and effect, making connections or inferring. Leveled texts that match your child’s reading level will help them to practice skills needed for comprehension.
- Graphic organizers – These are great tools to help your child organize their thinking. Scholastic Teachables has printable graphic organizers to help visualize, compare and contrast and more.
Other Resources
Check out these other resources for ways to help your child improve their reading comprehension.
- Painless Reading Comprehension by Darolyn Jones
