4 Ways to Improve Reading Comprehension

Christmas Break is the perfect time to read more with your child! But how do you know that your child is comprehending what is being read?

Follow these 4 Quick Steps to Help Improve Your Child’s Reading Comprehension:

Can your child retell the story? Pick a picture, paragraph, page, chapter, or entire book (depending on your child’s level of skill), and ask questions about that section. Some great questions to ask are:
- Who are the characters?
- What is the setting (where is the story taking place)?
- What is the action (what is going on)?
- What is the tone (What are the feelings)?
For children 3rd grade and up, pick a book to read together as a family. Discuss the book over dinner as you read. Great selections for the holidays are:
For younger children, try telling a story out of order, or with the wrong characters, and see if your child can correct you. This is a silly way to teach a serious topic. For example, tell the story of Snow White, but insert Cinderella’s name.
Don’t be afraid to read picture books with your child, regardless of age. The pictures help any age with comprehension. The Night Before Christmas is an excellent one to read now! The whole family can participate in a discussion of the book. Have your younger children ask your older children questions about the book.