Reading Comprehension

Which reading comprehension activities actually work?

Did you know that a child can “read” without understanding a word of what he read?

Reading is actually a very complicated process, and it uses many parts of our brains.

What is Reading Comprehension?

Very young children learn by listening, when we read to them or they hear others—in conversation, on TV, on Cds, or at Church or the store. And they learn what words mean by having conversations with us and asking questions.

Please press the "Play Button" (left) in the player controls
instead of the arrow on the screen.

Building Vocabulary

However, if you speak Spanish and know what the words mean, then you understand--comprehend--the sentence. (By the way, it says, "Do you understand these words?")

Talking with your children and reading to them builds vocabulary. Point out words that they will recognize—on signs, in books or newspapers. Pick a “word of the day” and see how many times your child can find the special word for the day.

Bonding While Learning: Activities to Grow Your Relationship While Preparing for Reading Success by Gary Lee Kosman and Grace May Chiu, give practical suggestions for reading readiness activities.

In fact, most of the activities are fun for both child and parent—and they don't seem like school or work—at all! If you want to help your child read better, you'll want to check it out.

Understanding Concepts Helps Comprehension

Here is a silly example to make my point. If you've never seen a bicycle before, then reading a book about a boy's adventures on his bicycle will be more difficult for you to understand. So first, you have to learn what a bicycle is. Then the story will make sense to you.

You can increase a child's understanding of the concepts in a story very easily. Simply discuss any new words or concepts in the new book, before reading the book to your child (or having him read it). You will be amazed at how much more your child will understand!

Motivation is Key to Comprehension

Every one of us has read a chapter—right before falling asleep--and not remembered a thing! This usually happens when we are bored, tired, or distracted. Kids are no different. They need to be focused, rested and physically comfortable.

So, in order to have good reading comprehension, a child must have a good vocabulary, understand the concepts or ideas presented in a book and be motivated to read it.


As parents, we can teach our children new words and concepts casually, using our everyday activities. As they learn more about their world, they will be better prepared to read well.

You can find more good ideas for increasing reading readiness and for bonding with your child in Bonding While Learning.

Reading Comprehension to Reading Aids

Reading Comprehension to Childrens Books

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