Reading Comprehension Strategies that Work
Reading Comprehension Strategies to drive an “I love reading” mentality…that work!
Reading can be intimidating. Simple steps can help make the learning process less daunting, and more enjoyable. It is important to lay a foundation that positively reinforces reading on a daily basis.
Here are four reading comprehension strategies that can help kids read:
1. Build a story by providing context to what the reader is experiencing. Make connections between:
The reader and the text. ie: If the reader is exploring in a story about a girl on a playground, recall to the reader when they last visited a playground.
The text and the world. ie: If the reader is exploring a book about rain, recall to the reader when they last experienced rain.
The text and other texts. ie: If the reader is exploring a book about butterflies and recently read another book on butterflies, or saw a movie about them, or even saw one in real life, remind them of that moment.
You can also make predictions.
For example, ask the reader what they think will happen based on what they read and already know. Also, be sure to ask questions while reading such as, “I wonder why this character Dora put fruits in her backpack before going out for the day?”
2. Help the reader visualize to get further clarity on what they’re reading through short passages. Start by reading a paragraph versus a chapter and talk through the storyline of that chapter and the events that took place.
For example: “The boy had dinner with his parents and sister. They discussed their day and what they learned at school, and he shared he was being taught about the first president of the United States.” To help visualize, have the reader paint a picture or describe the storyline. What does the dinner table look like? What were people at the dinner table wearing?
3. Identifying Context Clues: Readers need to learn how to identify clues and/or hints that are hidden to understand an unknown word. Authors typically include these hints to help readers expand vocabulary and grasp the meaning of the passage even when presented with an unknown or unfamiliar word.
For example, “the girl replied to the coach with a witty answer and the softball team laughed.” The structure of this context clue helps the reader gauge the meaning of “witty.”
4. Make inferences and other higher-order thinking skills. Inferences include reading between the lines and help achieve a greater understanding of the text.
Utilizing these four reading tips doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you apply two of the above tips during every reading session, rotating each time. If applied consistently, a reader’s fundamentals will enable critical thinking.
Now that you’ve laid an important base for your reader’s journey, learn quick tips to make reading creative and fun here (hint hint, one idea is creating a family book club)!