Comprehension is the Goal of Reading

Literal Questions (What?) 

Literal questions focus on the surface-level understanding of the text. They encourage children to recall facts and details directly stated in the text. Encourage your child to ask and answer questions like: 

· "What is the main character's name?" 

· "Where does the story take place?" 

· "How did the character solve the problem?" 

To improve literal comprehension, ask your child such questions while reading together. Encourage them to find specific details in the text to support their answers. 

Inferential Questions (Why? and How?) 

Inferential questions require children to go beyond the text and use clues to make educated guesses. These questions help develop critical thinking skills. Examples include: 

· "Why do you think the character made that choice?" 

· "How do you think the character feels in this situation?" 

· "What can you infer from the clues in the story?" 

To enhance inferential comprehension, guide your child to make connections between the text and their prior knowledge, encouraging them to make educated guesses based on evidence. 

Evaluative Questions (What if and What would you do?) 

Evaluative questions prompt children to think critically and express their opinions about the text. They encourage reflection and analysis. Ask questions such as: 

· "What do you think about the character's actions?" 

· "What would you have done differently in this situation?" 

· "Do you agree with the author's message? Why or why not?" 

Engage your child in discussions about the text, encouraging them to support their answers with evidence from the story. 

To help your child improve comprehension: 

1. Read Aloud Together: Reading together allows you to model comprehension strategies and discuss the text. 

2. Encourage Questioning: Teach your child to ask questions while reading and help them find answers in the text. 

3. Discuss the ‘Whys and ‘Hows’: Encourage them to think critically about the characters' motivations and the story's themes. 

4. Promote Book Selection: Allow your child to choose books they are interested in; this increases engagement and motivation to comprehend. 

By incorporating these strategies and question types into your reading routine, you will help your child become a confident and skilled reader with a deep understanding of the texts they read. Reading comprehension is a lifelong skill that will serve children well in all aspects of their education and beyond. 

Happy reading!