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To become a proficient reader, combining comprehension with word recognition is key, according to Scarborough’s Reading Rope concept. Early literacy often emphasizes decoding, phonics, and sight words, but comprehension and fluency skills are sometimes neglected.
The foundation for strong comprehension skills is solid background knowledge, which involves introducing children to various subjects. This can be achieved by reading widely across different interests and pairing nonfiction with fiction books to explore topics of interest to children. The Kansas City Public Library (KCPL) offers Bookflix, a database that provides fiction and nonfiction pairings and related activities.
To build vocabulary and comprehension, parents can engage in several activities with their children. Before starting a new book, parents can discuss the cover and synopsis, asking the child to predict what might happen. This exercise encourages attentive reading.
After completing a book, summarizing and retelling can help reinforce understanding. Parents can guide this process by asking specific questions regarding the main character, their desires, the problems they face, solutions, and the story's conclusion.
Midway through a story, inference questions like "How is this character feeling?" or "Where is this character going?" can encourage critical thinking using textual and visual clues. Connecting the story to what the child already knows about the topic or situation is another suggested method to deepen comprehension.
For further resources on early literacy, KCPL’s Early Literacy page offers additional blog posts and information.
Lisa Clark, a Youth Collection Librarian, emphasizes the importance of these practices for building fluency and comprehension in young readers.
Happy reading!
