Reading
Reading is a complex cognitive process of decoding symbols in order to construct or derive meaning.
Reading comprehension is the ability to read text, process it and understand its meaning.
Reading without comprehension is not reading, it is just word calling.
Developing comprehension
There are three levels of comprehension which need to be developed along with vocabulary. To do this
we need to discuss what children have read to check their understanding. We need to ask questions that
draw their attention to the meaning of new words, require them to find information that is directly
stated, but also learn to derive information from that which has been inferred. We then need them to
evaluate what they have read and determine what it means to them.
Three Levels of Comprehension
When we read different texts, we make meaning at three levels:
1. Literal – Reading the lines - The words are explicit – they mean what they say. The information
is explicitly stated in the text and is right there on the page
2. Inferential – Reading between the lines - The meaning is implied – the words don’t say
exactly what they mean. You have to think about them and work out what they mean by using
the context to help – draw on your own knowledge and past experiences to derive meaning.
3. Evaluative – Reading beyond the lines - We step back from the text and reflect on what we
have read and think about what it meant to us. We express opinions, draw new insights and
develop fresh ideas after reading the book.
Questions
After your child has read their take home reading book, discuss the book with them and then select at
least one appropriate question, from each section below, to ask. Check their understanding by their
response and clarify any misunderstandings by referring to what they have read.
Literal Questions
What was the main character’s name?
Can you tell me one thing they did in the story?
Where did the story take place?
Can you name any other characters?
Describe your favourite character?
Did something funny happen, and if so, what?
Describe what was happening on your favourite page?
What was the main problem in the story and how was it resolved?
Inferential and Evaluative Questions
How did this story make you feel?
Tell me about any other stories that are similar to this story.
Has anything like what happened in this story happened to you or someone you know?
Can you think of another ending?
If the story kept going, what do you think might happen next?
Were there any characters in the book that remind you of someone you know?
How do you think the main character may have felt and why?
What time of the day do you think the story took place? How can you tell?
What was the message in the story?
Did one of the characters learn something from their experience? What did they learn?
Vocabulary Development
Can you find a word that you did not know the meaning of? Can you replace that word with another
word that would make sense?
Can you find an example of figurative language within the text? Discuss this with your child. e.g., I
was feeling over the moon. He was as busy as a bee. She is a super star.