What is Reading Comprehension in Childhood?

Reading comprehension in childhood is the ability to understand written text. 

Reading comprehension is the ability to truly understand what’s being read. It’s like creating a movie in your mind, where you can picture the characters, the action, and the unfolding plot. For children, this skill is essential for both fiction and non-fiction, allowing them to engage with stories and learn about the world around them. 

The research has shown consistently that reading comprehension is the most important academic skill of all [1]. 

Scores on reading comprehension tests are strongly correlated with positive educational outcomes across the board. Higher scores on standardized tests, and better grades in high school and college are achieved by kids with strong comprehension. 

But what happens when a child struggles to make those movies in their mind?

Signs Your Child Might Need Support with Reading Comprehension

It’s important to recognize the signs that a child might need some extra help with reading comprehension.

Here are some signs to consider.

• Struggling to remember what they read: Even if they can read aloud fluently, they might have difficulty recalling details or the sequence of events.
• Missing the main point: They might struggle to identify the central themes or answer questions about the overall meaning of the story.
• Difficulty with characters and plot: They might forget important characters or struggle to retell the story in a logical order.
• Failing to connect the dots: They might not be able to weave the different elements of the story together to form a cohesive understanding.

Recognizing these signs early on can help you provide the right support for your child. But what causes these difficulties in the first place?

Why Some Children Struggle with Reading Comprehension

There are a variety of reasons why a child might find reading comprehension challenging.

These reasons include foundational skills, vocabulary, and other issues.

• Building blocks of reading: Difficulties with foundational skills like phonics, word recognition, and vocabulary can impact comprehension.
• Background knowledge: A lack of familiarity with the topic or limited vocabulary can make it harder to grasp the meaning of the text.
• Processing speed: Some children may process information more slowly, making it challenging to keep up with the flow of the text.
• Learning differences: Conditions like dyslexia can affect a child’s ability to decode words, which in turn impacts comprehension.

Understanding the root cause of these challenges is crucial for providing effective support. Let’s delve deeper into some of the specific reading challenges children might face.

Types of Reading Challenges

It’s important to remember that reading difficulties can manifest in different ways. Here are some of the common types of reading challenges:

• Specific learning disabilities in reading: These can encompass difficulties with word reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension.
• Dyslexia: Children with dyslexia often excel at comprehension but may struggle with decoding words accurately.
• Reading comprehension disorder (“hyperlexia”): In this case, children may decode words well but struggle specifically with understanding the meaning of what they read.
• Cognitive or Processing Issues: Challenges with thinking speed or visual processing can also impact reading comprehension.

Now that we have a better understanding of the different reading challenges, let’s explore what you can do to help your child.

Top 10 Ways to Help Your Child with Reading Comprehension

If you suspect your child might be struggling with reading comprehension, here are some proactive steps you can take:

1. Early intervention is key: If you notice your child struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to their teacher or a specialist.
2. Make reading fun! The most important thing is to foster a love of reading.
3. Consult the school: If you are concerned that your child does not understand what they read, reach out to the teacher. The teacher may have assessments that they can do to find out where your child’s skills are compared to peers. Your child’s teacher will likely have a variety of comprehension strategies you can work with your child on at home.
4. Shared reading: Reading with your child can be one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of their school career. When reading, frequently stop to ask your child comprehension questions. Ask your child who the characters are, what the setting is, and the story’s main idea. Regularly stop to find out if your child is following along as you read together.
5. Avoid criticism: Although you do want to check on your child’s comprehension, it is more important to keep reading fun. Try your best to focus on the meaning of the text, not how perfectly it is read aloud. 
6. Do a chapter a day: One of the best things you can do is pick up a fun series with your child and commit to reading one chapter a night. Some of my favorites were Magic Tree House and Kid Lawyer. As a parent, you can make this a fun experience by making it a nightly ritual. Get into your pajamas, snuggle up, and eagerly find out what happens next in the book you are enjoying together. This enthusiasm for reading is contagious and will not only help with reading comprehension but a passion for the imaginative journey of a good book.
7. Popcorn read: Read one page and then ‘pop’ it over to your child to read the next page. Go back and forth until you get through the chapter or section. Talk about the reading afterward and tell your child what you enjoyed about the reading.
8. Neurological impress: Read at the same time as your child, following along with your finger. Do not stop to make sure your child reads every word correctly. Practice together reading smoothly and fluidly. Then talk about the text afterward and share your favorite parts of the text.
9. Parent reading: Pick a fun novel that is a little bit of a high level for your child. Read it aloud to your child each night, one chapter at a time. Stop after each section and talk through your child’s comprehension. Ask questions like, “what happened to…” “why do you think that happened…” and “what do you think will happen next….”
10. Picture walk: Before reading a book, ask your child to tell the story from the pictures. You can prompt your child by saying, “If these pictures could talk, what would they be saying?” Then, you can read the story to your child. Follow up to see if the pictures matched what the story said. By reading books in this way, you are teaching your child to think about the meaning and context of the words.

All of the above strategies are excellent ways to encourage your child to enjoy reading.

It is more important to make reading enjoyable than it is to get all the words right.

Your patience and persistence can go a long way in advancing your child’s skills. These strategies can make a world of difference in your child’s reading journey. To further guide you, here are some key insights for parents.

Pearls of Wisdom for Parents

• Be patient and understanding: Learning to read is a journey, and every child progresses at their own pace.
• Celebrate strengths: Focus on your child’s unique abilities and talents.
• Advocate for your child: Work with the school to ensure they receive the support they need.
• Create a literacy-rich environment: Surround your child with books, magazines, and other reading materials.
• Make reading a part of your daily routine: Even a few minutes of reading each day can make a big difference.

While these pearls of wisdom can guide you, it’s equally important to be aware of potential pitfalls.

Parenting Pitfalls to Avoid

• Pushing too hard: Avoid putting excessive pressure on your child, as this can lead to anxiety and a dislike of reading.
• Comparing to others: Every child is different, so avoid comparing your child’s progress to that of their peers.
• Focusing only on mistakes: Instead of dwelling on errors, celebrate successes and encourage effort.
• Too much focus on reading vs. other areas of development: Remember that reading is just one aspect of a child’s overall development. 

Be sure you consider your child’s other interests. 

…If your child loves soccer, great. Make sure to spend time appreciating and enjoying soccer just as much as academic endeavors.

…If your child is interested in studying animals or insects, awesome. Allow your child to get excited about topics of interest. Take them to the bug museum or the zoo. Focus on how fun it is to learn new things, without the pressure of performance on reading tasks.

…If your child is a social butterfly, fantastic. Provide opportunities for your child to go to the movies, go on playdates, or have a picnic at the park with friends. Notice and point out when your child is a good friend to others. These social skills are just as important to their success in the long run.

By being mindful of these pitfalls, you can create a supportive and nurturing environment for your child’s reading journey.

A Final Word on Reading Comprehension in Childhood

Reading comprehension is a vital skill that opens doors to learning and imagination. By understanding the challenges and embracing neurodiversity, we can empower children to become confident and successful readers.

Remember, every child has the potential to thrive, and with the right support, they can unlock the magic of reading.

References on reading comprehension

[1] Chiang & Lin (2007). Reading comprehension instruction for students with autism spectrum disorders: A review of the literature. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 22 (4), 259-267.

[2] Kroncke, Willard, & Huckabee (2016). Assessment of autism spectrum disorder: Critical issues in clinical forensic and school settings. Springer, San Francisco.

[3] Kilpatrick, David A. (2015). Essentials of Assessing, Preventing, and Overcoming Reading Difficulties (Essentials of Psychological Assessment).

[4] Willard, M. (2013). Development of an integrative comprehension imagery scale for children with and without autism. Proquest: Dissertations and Theses (PQDT) UNIVERSITY OF DENVER, 177 pages. digitaldu.coalliance.org/Willard_denver_0061D_10648.pdf