Reading, Thinking, and Understanding: Tips for Every Parent [Ep 77]

Beyond the Words: Unlocking the Power of Reading Comprehension

This podcast explores the importance of developing reading comprehension skills in children, even before they can read independently. We talk about that reading comprehension goes beyond decoding words, focusing on understanding and interpreting text, and highlights the differences between fiction and non-fiction comprehension. Parents are encouraged to integrate comprehension activities into everyday life, such as summarising plans or using menus, shopping lists, and other non-book materials to enhance their child’s reading skills. We also discuss how questioning strategies, active listening, and activities like prediction can build comprehension skills over time. Finally, it suggests that helping children engage with books or texts they enjoy, including non-fiction, is key to making learning enjoyable and effective.

In this episode about comprehension:

1. Importance of Early Comprehension Skills

Reading comprehension should be prioritized even before children can read independently. Developing these skills early sets a strong foundation for future learning.

2. Distinction Between Fiction and Non-Fiction

Understanding how to comprehend different types of texts—fiction versus non-fiction—is essential. Each requires unique strategies for interpretation and understanding.

3. Everyday Comprehension Activities

Parents can enhance their child’s reading skills by incorporating comprehension activities into daily life. Using menus, shopping lists, and summarizing plans can make comprehension practice engaging and relevant.

4. Questioning and Active Listening

Implementing questioning strategies and fostering active listening are effective ways to build comprehension skills. Engaging children in discussions about texts helps deepen their understanding.

5. Engaging with Enjoyable Texts

Encouraging children to explore books or texts they enjoy, including non-fiction, is crucial. This approach not only makes learning enjoyable but also motivates them to read and comprehend better.

More about Adrianne

Adriane is a primary school teacher & tutor. She’s taught across all primary ages in a range of schools in England and now uses that experience to support children to become confident readers & mathematicians.

Her main goal for helping children and families with learning to read is to foster positive and engaging experiences with reading that promotes a lifelong love of learning. By making reading a fun and enjoyable activity that children look forward to, they develop confidence and curiosity which are great qualities to have in school and life.

Links mentioned in this episode about phonics:

Instagram: @atprimaryeducation

Website: www.atprimaryeducation.com

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Content Disclaimer

The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this episode are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast. Sarah Travers disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this episode.