Time for TIPS! I hope these are helpful! I’m going to start recording audio/video to help the message come across to any adults that learn that way. So stay tuned- I’ll be posting on my social media pages!

Today, I want to talk about reading comprehension. It’s all good and fun when your kiddo can read, but do they understand WHAT they are reading? Can they retain the information and understand the main point? Let’s put it into practice.

TIP #1- Encourage reciprocal teaching.

Before they start reading have your kiddo predict what the text is about by using the title and any illustrations. (Yes, we are judging a book by the cover!) Next, have them read the text and point out any vocabulary they don’t understand. Look up definitions, find them by using context clues… Doesn’t matter how they find the meanings, it help them clarify the context of the story. Then have them ask any questions they have about the text. OR you can ask them questions about what they are reading. Either way, this will lead to them being able to summarize what they read. This can be done by you asking them questions or internally for them to discover what they took away from what they read. A fun way to review is for them to notice if they predicted correctly!

I often search for random facts about a book/story online and quiz my kids to see if they retained the info. Maybe I’ll ask, “What is the dad’s name?” or “What color was the house?” “Did you get to meet the neighbor?” “What was her mom’s attitude when she found out X?” I do this in a regular conversation so they don’t feel quizzed. It comes from a place of genuine curiosity- and I know they are correct because I looked up notes online.

TIP #2- Encourage reading for pleasure. Back to letting them choose.

I feel like I say this on REPEAT! It is oh, so, important to let our kids read what they are interested in. Remember, this can be a magazine, a graphic novel or a dictionary. It doesn’t even matter if it’s notes passed to and from a friend at school. It all counts! And don’t discount those podcasts and audible stories!

TIP #3- Have them read out loud. To a parent, a friend or to themselves.

Reading out loud really puts you on the spot. Ok, maybe in a classroom setting, but it shouldn’t be a big deal at home. Be patient with them when they read out loud and give them at least 3 beats/seconds to figure out what they are reading before you step in to help. If they are still struggling to pick up what the story is laying down, read out loud to them. Remember to use inflections and intonations to really convey what the story is about. It’s perfectly acceptable to practice your accents and voice range when reading aloud, too! I’ll bet it’ll get your kids excited to read with you! It’s also important to practice appropriate pauses and emphasis when reading out loud. It’ll help add depth to the story to help your reader understand and retain information.

I love reading intense books to my kids. A Series of Unfortunate Events is one of my favorite read alouds! I can slow down or speed up what I’m reading, act surprised, get intense at some points or really sad at others. The characters in these books are outlandish and I can read with accents and different voices. My kids get a kick out of it and are always eager for this time together.

TIP #4- Improve their vocabulary. *See previous tips.

We have discussed this before and Tip #1 from today also touches on defining words. Knowing what words mean (or how to find their meaning) will really add to the reading experience. It gets less frustrating to read when you already know what the words mean.

TIP #5- Take it slow. Reading comprehension takes time and a lot of focus.

Think back to when you were learning to read. (Maybe you are still working on it.) Did the adults around you have patience with you? Did you feel rushed or pressured? How has your childhood experience with reading effected your reading habits as an adult?

We are looking to create a love of learning/reading for life! So this very time when you kids are little and learning, we need to SLOW DOWN and be patient with them. How we act now, will likely determine what they do as adults (and how they teach our grandchildren, God willing.) So before you sit down to read with your kiddos, make sure you are calm, understand the process and are willing to spend some time teaching them. Easier said than done, I know. But if you have a reading routine, it will be much easier for everyone. Plan ahead, get in the right head space and don’t rush it!

As always, if you have questions, need specific tips or recommendations, I’m here for all of it! All you have to do is ask.

Talk soon,
L