Some may ask what does it mean to comprehend? Well…
Comprehension-is the ability to understand what you read. While children are learning to read in the first couple grades, they will evidently need to read to understand. That is called comprehension and is a valuable skill as they get up into late elementary years and beyond. To help children understand what they are reading try asking these simple questions.
Questions to ask before you read
1. Read the title and look at the cover’s picture. What do you think this story will be about?
2. What makes you think that?
3. What characters do you think will be in the story?
4. What problems could come up in this story? Does the title give a hint as to a problem?
5. Does this story look like something that could happen in your family?
Questions to ask while reading
1. What do you think will happen next? This is difficult for children and will often start with, “I don’t know”. Review what just happened on the last page and ask questions that get them thinking about the possible next step.
2. How is the character feeling and why? Have you felt that way?
3. What would you do if you were the character?
4. Is the character making a good decision?
5. Can you tell me in your own words what just happened?
Questions to ask after reading:
1. What was the title? Was it a good title? Why or why not?
2. Was there a problem in the story? If so, was it solved?
3. What was your favorite part of the story?
4. Do you think this could happen in your family, school, or neighborhood? Why or why not?
5. Which character did you like the most or the least and why?
6. How could the story have ended differently?
7. Would you recommend this book to a friend to read? Why or why not?