IMPROVING COMPREHENSION

Parents often wonder how they can help improve comprehension for their child. Below is an excerpt taken from the newsletter, Reading Connection Intermediate Edition.

“Reading comprehension is a part of most standardized tests. How can you help your child improve her understanding of what she reads? Try a “paired reading” with your youngster.
1. First, you and your child silently read the same part of a story, an article, or a textbook. Try two or three paragraphs to start.
2. Next, listen while your youngster summarizes aloud what she has just read. She might say, ‘Learned that sedimentary rocks are made from pressure.’ After she’s finished summarizing, offer your corrections or additions to what she hears. Example: ‘We also learned that igneous rocks come from cooling lava.’
3. Then, take turns reading another two or three paragraphs and changing roles. Switch back and forth until the whole story, article, or chapter is read.

NOTE: This activity is a good study aid for subjects like science or history—and it build listening skills.”