Improving Reading Comprehension

How can I help my child improve their reading comprehension?

High school students often struggle with their reading comprehension. Students who have weak reading comprehension skills benefit from having adults model good reading with them. Here are a few ways you can support your child with their reading comprehension: 

• Read with your child and ask if they understand what they are reading
• Encourage your child to read daily
• Model how you 'think' while you read. For example, you could say "this reminds me of that movie I watched . . ." or "I wonder what will happen when Dan's parents find out he skipped school."
• Ask questions to expand their thinking (eg. Why do you think the character did that? How do you think that affects the process you are learning about?)
• Encourage your child to look up words he or she don't understand and keep a list of these words so your child can review them later.

Further Resources

For more tips, listen to this great link regarding supporting teenagers with their reading: www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/homework-and-study/english/english-tips/reading/helping-teens-with-reading

To view resources that can help your child with their reading comprehension, click here or contact the LST department for more information. 

Here is a link to a great book about teaching reading that would be helpful for parents: www.amazon.ca/Read-But-Dont-Get-Comprehension/dp/157110089X

All these above suggestions can also be done when you are watching T.V. or movies with your child.