How to Improve Your Childs Reading Comprehension at Home

Establishing a reading habit can be beneficial for children and families. Regular reading times create structure, improve literacy skills, and foster connections through shared stories and discussions.

Create a Reading Routine

Designating consistent times for reading each day can turn it into a valued habit. Whether it's before bedtime or after school, sticking to a schedule helps strengthen comprehension. The predictability provides structure, making reading a comfortable routine.

Involving the whole family can enhance this routine. Gathering everyone for quiet reading time serves as a model and provides shared experiences to discuss later. Taking turns reading aloud can add interest and excitement to the stories.

Selecting appropriate reading material is crucial. Children are more likely to read when the content appeals to them. Visit libraries, bookstores, or explore online platforms to find titles that match your child's interests.

Balance the difficulty level of the books; too simple can lead to boredom, while too difficult can cause frustration. Your child's teacher can offer guidance on appropriate reading levels.

Engage with your child during and after reading time. Ask questions and discuss stories, characters, and possible outcomes. This interaction aids in understanding the text better and develops critical thinking skills.

Choosing the Right Books

The Five Finger Rule can help determine if a book is at an appropriate difficulty level. Have your child read a page and raise a finger for each word they struggle with. If they raise all five fingers, the book might be too challenging for independent reading, but could still be explored together.

Match books to your child's interests to enhance their engagement. If a child likes dinosaurs, for example, look for adventure stories featuring these creatures. The goal is to find books that align with their interests while gently expanding their comfort zone.

Libraries and online resources offer a variety of books. Exploring these options together can be enjoyable. Teachers and librarians can provide valuable recommendations based on popular genres or new arrivals.

The aim is to cultivate a love of reading. Once children discover the joy of a good book, they're more likely to explore further, fostering curiosity and improving their reading skills over time.

Engage in Active Reading

Active reading helps bolster a child's comprehension by engaging them with the text and their own thoughts. Encourage your child to consider the story before beginning: What might this book be about? What do they think will happen based on the cover or title?

During reading, keep the conversation going. Encourage your child to ask questions about the plot, characters, or setting. Asking "what" and "why" questions can deepen their understanding and keep them engaged.

Prompt your child to make predictions as the story unfolds. What do they think might happen next? This keeps them actively involved and develops their critical thinking skills.

After reading, encourage your child to reflect on the story. Can they summarize major plot points? What parts did they enjoy or find surprising? Discussing how a story relates to their personal life can make the text more relatable and memorable.

By making reading an interactive experience, you're helping your child form a deeper connection with the material. This approach ensures they remain interested and invested in their reading adventures.

Consistent reading routines help cultivate a lifelong appreciation for books. As children grow more confident in their abilities, they are likely to embrace new reading challenges. Remember, reading doesn't stop when children leave the classroom. Parents have an important opportunity to support reading comprehension at home, too.

Tips for Supporting Reading at Home:

• Read aloud with your children
• Discuss what your child is reading
• Try game-based learning
• Check out online reading programs
• Ask their teacher for guidance

By implementing these strategies and maintaining a positive attitude towards reading, parents can play a crucial role in developing their child's reading skills and fostering a love for literature that will last a lifetime.

1. Scholastic. Kids & Family Reading Report. 7th ed. 2019.
2. National Reading Panel. Teaching Children to Read: An Evidence-Based Assessment of the Scientific Research Literature on Reading and Its Implications for Reading Instruction. 2000.