IDEAS FOR PARENTS

Reading Comprehension

If your child can read but has difficulty answering the comprehension questions, try these methods.  They are in order starting with the least amount of help and going to strategies that involve the parent more.  If the first interventions do not work, try one that involves you a little more until you find one that does work.

When you find they succeed on one method for a week or two, gradually lessen the amount of help you are giving them.  Checking at each step to make sure they are succeeding.  Remember: All students are different and require different lengths of time to acquire a skill.

1.     Have your child read the question – then read the material to find the answer.

2.     Have your child read the question – then put it into his own words then read to find the answer.

3.     Have your child read the question – then pick out the key words and read until he finds one of those words.  Then see if he has the answer.

4.     If your child is still having trouble, model the behavior for them.  Read the first question and state what information you are looking for.  Then read the material and tell him to stop you if he hears the answer.

5.     Have your child read the material and you ask them a question that can be answered yes or no or with a choice of two answers.  Example: Do you think these people eat fish because they live near the ocean or because they like fish?  What about people who live in a desert, would they eat fish too?

Some readers need to hear the material, and will understand it better if they read it in a low voice.  A few may get confused by hearing it and may need to read it silently.