Reading comprehension is essential for any person and cognitive development. When it comes to reading comprehension, it is not just about reading and decoding the letters. You have to make sense of the words, the phrases and above all, understand all the information that exists. In addition to understanding the information, within reading comprehension there is also the critical thinking of each one, know whether or not the information presented is relevant or true.
Whether you are a father, mother or teacher, it is essential that you know how to teach good reading comprehension, that is, to make reading effective in all its aspects. Once a child learns to read, it is important to start working hard on reading comprehension. It is the basis for good academic growth and success in life.
How to teach effective reading comprehension
Reading comprehension skills may seem to develop naturally, but that's because students gradually begin to internalize the techniques. Effective reading comprehension skills should be taught, but it is not difficult to do so.
There are simple strategies to improve reading comprehension that parents and teachers can use in their daily lives with children. It is simply to take into account some specific things such as, Know that the most important step is to ask questions before, during and after the reading.
Ask students what they think the story will be about based on the title or cover. As they read, ask students to summarize what they have read so far or to predict what they think will happen next. After reading, Ask students to summarize the story, identify the main idea, or highlight the most important facts or events.
Then help children make connections between what they have read and their previous experiences or knowledge. It is important to ask them what they would have done if they had been in the situation of the main character or if they had a similar experience.
It is also a good idea to read more complicated texts aloud. Ideally, students will have their own copy of the book so they can follow you. Reading aloud models good reading techniques and allows students to hear new vocabulary in context without interrupting the flow of the story. What's more, They find it easier to understand the story when someone else is reading it.
How Students Can Improve Reading Comprehension Skills
There are also steps that students can take to improve their reading comprehension skills. The first and most basic step is to improve general reading skills. Help students select books on topics that interest them and encourage them to read for at least 20 minutes each day.
It's okay if they want to start with books below your reading level. By doing so, you can help students focus on what they are reading, rather than deciphering more difficult texts, and improve their confidence. Then encourage students to stop every now and then and summarize what they read, either mentally or aloud with a reading partner. They may want to take notes or use a graphic organizer to record their thoughts.
Remind students that to better understand they should have an overview of what they will read by first reading the chapter titles and subtitles. Conversely, students can also benefit from flipping through the material after they have read it. Students must also take steps to improve their vocabulary. One way to do it without interrupting the reading flow is to write down unfamiliar words and look for them once they have finished their reading time.
With these measures, children will be able to improve their reading skills effectively. It is important that this type of work is carried out daily so that the development is adequate. The children who read the most and who best understand the text will be the most successful in life. Reading should be seen as a time for entertainment and never as an obligation or punishment. It is preferable that they choose the readings they like the most so that they enjoy reading the topics that interest them the most.