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Comprehension

Literacy Connections - Comprehension

 

SUPPORTING YOUR TIGER WITH TIGER WITH COMPREHENSION

 

Literacy Connections - Comprehension (PDF Version)

 

  1. WHAT IS COMPREHENSION?

Comprehension is the ability to understand and interpret what is read, it is an active process where the reader uses their own experiences, knowledge, and vocabulary to bring meaning to the text. While strategies like asking questions and making predictions are helpful, comprehension doesn’t rely on strateies alone. Strong comprehension also depends on a reader’s background knowledge, vocabulary, sentence structure awarness, and the ability to make meaning from text. Many children can decode words fluently but still struggle to understand what they read, especially when they lack the knowledge or vocabulary needed to connect with the content. That’s why building knowledge and language is just as important as decoding instruction in early literacy.

 

  1. WHY IS COMPREHENSION IMPORTANT?

Comprehension is the ultimate goal of reading. Without it, children may be able to “say the words” but won’t understand the message. Strong comprehension helps children:

  • Learn and remember new information.
  • Enjoy stories more deeply.
  • Think critically about ideas.
  • Use reading as a tool in school and everyday life.

Just like fluency, comprehension grows gradually with practice, discussion, and exposure to many types of texts.

 

TIPS TO SUPPORT COMPREHENSION:

  • Read aloud with your child. Include both fiction (story books) and nonfiction (informational texts). Pause to ask: “What just happened?” or “What new fact did we learn on this page?”
  • Build background knowledge. Read about a variety of topics, watch kidfriendly videos, and connect new ideas to what your child already knows.
  • Grows vocabulary. Stop at tricky words, talk about what they mean, and use them in conversations.

Comprehension Activities

  • This is a simple strategy to help your child remember and understand what they read. We teach this strategy beginning in first grade.

    1. STOP. After each page (or paragraph for older readers), pause instead of rushing ahead.
    2. THINK. Ask your child to think about what just happened.
    3. PARAPHRASE. Have your child explain the section in their own words. “So far, the story is about...”, “The important thing I learned here is...”

    If your student can’t paraphrase, reread the section together before moving to the next page.

  • The Five Finger Retell helps children remember and talk about the most important parts of a fiction story. Each finger stands for one part:

    1. Characters Who are the main people or animals in the story?
    2. Setting Where and when does the story take place?
    3. Problem What is the big problem the character faces?
    4. Solution How is the problem solved?
    5. Central Message What moral lesson can we apply to our lives? Parent tip:  

    As your child retells the story, have them hold up one finger for each part. This gives them a clear, easy way to check that they included the most important details.

  • After reading, have your child draw a picture to show what they understood from the text.

    • For fiction: They might draw the characters, setting, or an important event in the story.
    • For nonfiction: They can draw a diagram, fact, or new idea they learned.  

    Ask your child to explain their drawing in words. This gives you a window into what they understand and helps them practice retelling or summarizing.