Welcome to the Literacy Corner

COMPREHENSION

Comprehension is the active process in which the reader or listener interprets and constructs meaning about what he or she reads or listens to based on prior knowledge about the topic, thereby making connections between the old and the new. (Applegate, Applegate, & Modla, 2009; Pressley & Hilden, 2002).   In other words, the ability to understand.  Comprehension is necessary for a child to be a successful reader.

Ways you can help your child build their comprehension at home

1. Read with your child for twenty minutes a day.
2. Re-read favorite books often.
3. Ask questions throughout the story.
4. Ask your child to retell you the story after you have finished reading.
5. Ask your child to tell you about their favorite part of the book.
6. Have them sequence the story:
1. What happened first?
2. Who was there?
3. Where did it take place?
4. What happened next?
5. What happened last?
6. What was the problem in the story?
7. How did the characters solve the problem?