Reading Comprehending Skills
If you can read every word on a page, are you really reading? Well, perhaps not!
If you can recite each word, that's one form of reading.. There is another definition, though, which says "to understand or interpret". You must be able to explain what you've read and answer questions. Otherwise, you're merely reciting words on a page. Yes, you must know the words, but you also have to understand the author's message. THEN, you are truly reading.
There are definitive skills involved in reading comprehension. Make it a point when reading to your children to ask them specific questions about what you've just read. This will strengthen their understanding of the subject. Practice this exercise especially during school vacation times to help reinforce their reading skills.. Below are a few questions you could ask:
1. Main Theme - What is the most significant thing the paragraph, page, chapter, story, article, or cartoon is pertaining to When students are first learning this skill, the main idea is usually found in the first sentence; later on, it may not be stated at all. The sentences that follow describe the main theme.
Here's an example: I went to Florida on vacation. The weather was warm and sunny. I went swimming in the ocean. I collected shells on the beach.
As you can see, the beginning sentence really states the main idea of the writing. The sentences that follow further illustrate the first sentence.
2. Inferences - To infer means "to conclude by reason from something known or assumed." To phrase it differently, use your previous insights to figure out something.
Following example: History was made today when the space ship Eagle landed on the moon. The only thing in sight are craggy rocks and cliffs. Before I take a step on the moon's surface, I need to get into my special space suit.
With these observations, you can infer that a man will soon step on the moon. Based on history, we know that Neil Armstrong was the first man to achieve this.
3. Projecting Outcomes - As long as you understand what you are reading, you can expect to be able to guess what will happen next. Reinforce this skill during commercials when you are watching TV!
Example: I washed my face and brushed my teeth and got into my PJs. My mother came in to read me a story. After the story was finished she kissed me and tucked me in bed.
You can assume that the next thing to happen will be the child falling asleep.
4. Fact or Opinion - Facts are based on proof and truth. Opinions are based on feelings and beliefs.
For example: I am going to the movies. The show tonight is Star Wars. It's the absolute best movie ever made!
The first 2 sentences are facts because they can be proven. The last sentence is an opinion, based on beliefs. Your opinion if a reflection of what you think and does not have to agree with anyone else's thoughts. If you want a clue as to what the author is thinking, look for words that end in 'er', like bigger or "est", like biggest.
To go over, then, together with understanding words, you must be able to interpret their significance in order to read. The ability to use skills like picking out the main subject, drawing conclusions and differentiating fact from opinion will help in better reading comprehension.
If you can recite each word, that's one form of reading.. There is another definition, though, which says "to understand or interpret". You must be able to explain what you've read and answer questions. Otherwise, you're merely reciting words on a page. Yes, you must know the words, but you also have to understand the author's message. THEN, you are truly reading.
There are definitive skills involved in reading comprehension. Make it a point when reading to your children to ask them specific questions about what you've just read. This will strengthen their understanding of the subject. Practice this exercise especially during school vacation times to help reinforce their reading skills.. Below are a few questions you could ask:
1. Main Theme - What is the most significant thing the paragraph, page, chapter, story, article, or cartoon is pertaining to When students are first learning this skill, the main idea is usually found in the first sentence; later on, it may not be stated at all. The sentences that follow describe the main theme.
Here's an example: I went to Florida on vacation. The weather was warm and sunny. I went swimming in the ocean. I collected shells on the beach.
As you can see, the beginning sentence really states the main idea of the writing. The sentences that follow further illustrate the first sentence.
2. Inferences - To infer means "to conclude by reason from something known or assumed." To phrase it differently, use your previous insights to figure out something.
Following example: History was made today when the space ship Eagle landed on the moon. The only thing in sight are craggy rocks and cliffs. Before I take a step on the moon's surface, I need to get into my special space suit.
With these observations, you can infer that a man will soon step on the moon. Based on history, we know that Neil Armstrong was the first man to achieve this.
3. Projecting Outcomes - As long as you understand what you are reading, you can expect to be able to guess what will happen next. Reinforce this skill during commercials when you are watching TV!
Example: I washed my face and brushed my teeth and got into my PJs. My mother came in to read me a story. After the story was finished she kissed me and tucked me in bed.
You can assume that the next thing to happen will be the child falling asleep.
4. Fact or Opinion - Facts are based on proof and truth. Opinions are based on feelings and beliefs.
For example: I am going to the movies. The show tonight is Star Wars. It's the absolute best movie ever made!
The first 2 sentences are facts because they can be proven. The last sentence is an opinion, based on beliefs. Your opinion if a reflection of what you think and does not have to agree with anyone else's thoughts. If you want a clue as to what the author is thinking, look for words that end in 'er', like bigger or "est", like biggest.
To go over, then, together with understanding words, you must be able to interpret their significance in order to read. The ability to use skills like picking out the main subject, drawing conclusions and differentiating fact from opinion will help in better reading comprehension.