Reading comprehension refers to a person’s understanding of the text he is reading. Unfortunately, if a child is required to browse through a thick book, he might find it hard to digest the wealth of information that is presented to him.

Reading comprehension is a vital skill, especially for kids. If you want your children to absorb all the important information in his books, then here are reading comprehension strategies that can help him out:

Help Him Draw a Mental Picture

Kids find text boring and images more interesting, that is why they prefer comics and picture books to lengthy manuscripts. In order to help your kid comprehend the story they are reading, it will help if you encourage your child to draw a mental picture in his head. Let him use his imagination – and he will be able to grasp the story fully – and ask for more children’s books!

Encourage Him to Speak Out

Most of the time, kids do not like to ask questions from their parents or teachers because of embarrassment, as well as fear of what they have to say to him. If you want your child to improve his reading comprehension skills, then motivate him to speak out in case he does not understand certain words or sentences in books or e-books. Giving him the freedom to raise questions, as well as answering his questions empathically, can help him understand what he is reading, and not just fake his understanding of reading.

Let Him Mark “Strange” Words or Passes

There might be words and passes that your child finds confusing. Urge him to mark these words and sentences by encircling or underlining them. Get back to these passes and help him browse through and understand these phrases after he is done reading.

Ask Your Child Questions After Reading

One way to check if your child has understood the text he read is by asking questions after he has finished the book. Do not make him feel like you are his teacher, expecting him to answer correctly. Ask questions casually, as if you are just starting a conversation with him.  Not only will it foster parent-child boring, it can encourage your kid to understand the stories better so he can share his thoughts with you.

Improving your child’s reading comprehension skills can take some time. However, if you follow these strategies, you can help your kid exceed in school because of his hastened ability to digest and absorb pertinent information.