Now I Understand

Now I Understand

Our son, a chemical engineer, dedicated his doctoral thesis to “My parents who won’t understand a word of it.” His father objected, “I understood several, a, and, the…” 

New readers must master many skills: identifying sounds, connecting sounds to symbols, building vocabulary, and comprehending text. Comprehension involves accessing previous knowledge, understanding vocabulary and concepts, making inferences, and linking key ideas. Here are a few tips for parents who want to help their children increase reading comprehension.

1. Preview: Before reading a new book discuss the title and pictures. Previewing suggests vocabulary and the storyline which might be expected. “This story is called The Three Bears. What do you think it is about? Let’s look at the pictures for some clues. What kind of house is that? What foods do bears eat?”

2.  Predict: Look into your crystal ball. Before reading, help your child predict what might happen in the story. Use the title and pictures. When reading, stop to review what has happened, ask clarifying questions, verify previous predictions, and make new ones. “What will happen when the bears leave the door open?”

3. Compare: “How are the three bears different from/similar to other bears? Define fiction and nonfiction. Does this story remind you of any other stories — real or fictional?

4.  Review: Discuss story points during and after reading. “How did Goldie get into the house? What does she do inside?” After reading, ask your child for opinions, suggestions for other endings, likes, and dislikes. “What else might have happened when the bears found Goldie? Which part of the story did you like best? What made you happy (worried, angry, etc.)?”

5. Connect: Connect the story characters or events to your child’s life or other stories. “Do you remember when we left the garage door open all night? What did we find the next morning? A skunk! What else could happen when you leave a door unlocked? Do you know any other stories about someone going where they shouldn’t?”

6. Map. Ask questions about the characters, setting, plot, problems, and solutions in the story. “Where did the three bears live? What was it like there? Who was in this story? How would you describe Goldie(the bears)? What happened before Goldie came by? How did Goldie get into the house? What did Goldie do before the bears returned? What happened when they did? How do you think Goldie (or the bears) felt? How would you feel? What do you think Goldie (or the bears) learned? What else could have happened at the end of the story? Don’t overanalyze. Keep it fun. 

5.  Model: Good readers don’t fall far from the library. Parents who model the purposes and joys of reading have children who are more likely to read. Flaunt your library card! “If Mom and Dad enjoy reading so much, I want to do it too!” 

Make reading a BIG part of your lives. Share books and reading time. Help your child succeed at reading by making it a family affair. 

(This is the sixth in a series about reading success.)