Reading comprehension is a crucial skill which helps develop vocabulary and understanding of texts. By teaching students how to approach comprehension tasks systematically, we help them build confidence and improve their critical thinking skills. Here’s a look at our step-by-step approach to mastering reading comprehension.
Reading the Question
- The first step to effective reading comprehension is understanding the question. Students are taught to carefully identify whether the question focuses on who, what, where, when, or why. This clarity helps them know exactly what to look for in the text.
Going Back to the Text
- Instead of guessing answers, students learn to scan the text for keywords or phrases that match the question. This targeted approach saves time and ensures that their answers are accurate. We encourage students to underline or highlight the relevant parts of the passage to support their responses.
Writing Full-Sentence Answers
- Answering in full sentences is essential. We teach students to include part of the question in their answer so it’s clear what they’re responding to. This method not only improves writing skills but also ensures their answers make sense, even when read on their own.
For example:
- Text: Alex spent the evening studying his notes and creating flashcards to quiz himself before the science test.
- Question: What did Alex do to prepare for his science test?
- Answer: Alex prepared for his science test by studying his notes and creating flashcards to quiz himself.
This approach makes it easy for teachers (and parents) to understand the connection between the question and the answer.
Why It Works
This step-by-step method addresses multiple areas of language development:
- Reading Accuracy: Students learn to find precise answers in the text.
- Critical Thinking and Vocabulary: Identifying keywords and relevant sentences improves analytical skills.
- Writing Skills: Using part of the question to frame answers enhances clarity and grammar.
Tips for Practice at Home
Parents can reinforce these skills by:
- Asking their child to explain how they found an answer in the text.
- Reviewing answers to check for full sentences and proper grammar.
- Encouraging their child to highlight or underline the parts of the text that support their answers.
With consistent practice and teacher support, our students are well on their way to becoming confident and capable readers!