Page 14 - Educators Guide Book

Reading Comprehension

Tips for Teaching Reading Comprehension:

• Reading comprehension begins at the picture level.

• Read alouds are a great way to help teach a reading comprehension skill.

• Reading comprehension skills have to be taught as a skill and then practiced. It is
important to move from direct instruction to guided practice to independent work.

• Graphic organizers can be very helpful in teaching reading comprehension.

• Rewording questions and leading children to the correct answers are important strategies
for building comprehension and confidence.

• It is important to provide children with background information before reading a story.

• Help children make connections by referring to information that was taught in the past
and is relevant to the story you are teaching.

• Make sure the student can comfortably read the material when teaching reading
comprehension skills.

• Not every comprehension skill will be taught in every lesson. Pick the ones that make the
most sense.

• Reading should incorporate writing activities.

• Use think-alouds to help children draw conclusions.

• Teach children what each “wh” question is looking for.

• (i.e. Who- person or character)

• Allow children to take risks and make mistakes. Their answers may not be the same as
yours. Accept their ideas and they will be more likely to share them.

• Reading should be meaningful.

14 Educator's Guide / Reading Comprehension