How to Improve Reading Comprehension: A Guide for Parents

Reading comprehension isn't just about decoding words; it's about understanding the meaning behind them. If your child understands the text they are reading they are more likely to enjoy it and want to keep reading.

Here are some suggestions to support your child’s reading comprehension. 

1. Ask Open Questions

• Before they start reading: what do you think this book will be about based on its title and cover? What makes you think that?

• Whilst they are reading: What do you think will happen next? Why do you think the character made that choice? How is the character feeling and how do you know this?

• Once they have finished the book: What was your favourite part? Can you explain why the main character acted that way?

  
  

2. Ask Different Types of Questions

Encourage your child to answer Who, What, Where, When, Why and how questions related to the story. For example:

• Who is the main character?

• What problem did they face and how do you know this?

• Where does the story take place?

If they struggle with these questions, consider giving them extra support. 

3. Read Aloud Together

Reading aloud not only improves fluency but also allows you to model how the text should be read. Discussing the text will also help to address any misconceptions and improve their comprehension. 

4. Different Genres of Books

Make sure that your child has access to a variety of different types of reading material. This could be books, comics or graphic novels. If you don’t have access to these at home, consider visiting your local library or seeing if you can swap books with other parents. The variety will help them to understand texts written for different purposes and therefore improve their overall reading comprehension.

Reading Comprehension and Pageticker

Pageticker is an online reading record and can support you with getting a better understanding of reading comprehension. There is a section on the app, where you can choose to record a rating of their comprehension, using a handy key, if you wish to.

If you are interested in finding out more, why not tell your child's school about us?