How to Support Reading Comprehension
Use conversation, vocabulary, background knowledge and purposeful questions to help children make meaning from text.
Find the task that is breaking down
Instead of treating 'reading' as one skill, notice whether difficulty appears in hearing sounds, remembering sound-spelling relationships, blending, reading words accurately, reading smoothly or understanding the text.
Use focused practice
Short practice on the specific component is usually more informative than repeatedly asking a child to reread material that is too difficult.
Protect meaning and motivation
Continue reading interesting books aloud and talking about ideas even while decoding skills are developing. A child can build vocabulary and knowledge beyond what they can yet read independently.
Know when to seek more help
If difficulty is persistent, significant or worrying, involve the child's teacher or an appropriately qualified professional rather than relying only on a consumer website or program.