Achieve Better Reading Skills
Don't think that you are a good reader just because you can read everything on this page.
A definition of 'read' is "to utter aloud written matter;" if utilizing this meaning alone, naturally you are reading. There is another definition, though, which says "to understand or interpret". You must be able to explain what you've read and answer questions. Otherwise, you're merely reciting words on a page. Yes, you must know the words, but you also have to understand the author's message. Only when this process happens are you really reading.
Reading comprehension incorporates a number of specific abilities. Make it a point when reading to your children to ask them specific questions about what you've just read. This will strengthen their understanding of the subject. Practice this exercise especially during school vacation times to help reinforce their reading skills.. Below are a few questions you could ask:
1. Primary Topic - Describe the primary idea in the story just read. Often the main idea of a story or article can be found in the beginning sentence. The following sentences detail the main idea.
One example: I like school. My teacher is very nice. I have some good friends at school. My favorite period is recess.
In the above example the sentence that is first relates the topic of the rest of the paragraph. The following sentences go into more detail.
2. Inferences - To infer means "to determine by reason from something established or presumed." In other words, use your previous insights to figure out something.
Here's and example: An event of historic proportions happened when the Eagle spaceship touched down on the moon. Boulders and craters cover the landscape. In a few minutes I will suit up in my special space gear and take mankind's first step on the moon.
From these signals, you can deduce that a man will shortly step on the moon. Based on history, we know that Neil Armstrong was the first man to achieve this.
3. Projecting Outcomes - By understanding what you've just read you'll have the ability to guess the next thing to take place. TV is a good time to improve this skill. Try doing it when you watch commercials.
Example: I had a bedtime snack then washed my hands and scrubbed my teeth and jumped into bed. Mommy sat on my bed and read me a book. When she was finished, she kissed me goodnight.
The logical conclusion is the child will fall asleep.
4. Fact or Opinion - Facts are based on proof and truth. Opinions are based on feelings and beliefs.
As an example: I am in the Bank Atlantic Center. Faith Hill and Tim McGraw are going to perform a concert. They are the finest singers of all!
As you can see, the factual sentences are the first two and the opinion is the third sentence. Your opinion does not have to agree with anyone else's because it reflects what YOU think. The author will give you clues into his thoughts by using comparison words that end in "er" or "est". Examples are funnier and funniest.
In summary, in order to read, interpretation is as important as knowing each word. Reading comprehension skills include identifying the main topic, inferring what was meant, forecasting what will happen and picking out fact vs opinion.
A definition of 'read' is "to utter aloud written matter;" if utilizing this meaning alone, naturally you are reading. There is another definition, though, which says "to understand or interpret". You must be able to explain what you've read and answer questions. Otherwise, you're merely reciting words on a page. Yes, you must know the words, but you also have to understand the author's message. Only when this process happens are you really reading.
Reading comprehension incorporates a number of specific abilities. Make it a point when reading to your children to ask them specific questions about what you've just read. This will strengthen their understanding of the subject. Practice this exercise especially during school vacation times to help reinforce their reading skills.. Below are a few questions you could ask:
1. Primary Topic - Describe the primary idea in the story just read. Often the main idea of a story or article can be found in the beginning sentence. The following sentences detail the main idea.
One example: I like school. My teacher is very nice. I have some good friends at school. My favorite period is recess.
In the above example the sentence that is first relates the topic of the rest of the paragraph. The following sentences go into more detail.
2. Inferences - To infer means "to determine by reason from something established or presumed." In other words, use your previous insights to figure out something.
Here's and example: An event of historic proportions happened when the Eagle spaceship touched down on the moon. Boulders and craters cover the landscape. In a few minutes I will suit up in my special space gear and take mankind's first step on the moon.
From these signals, you can deduce that a man will shortly step on the moon. Based on history, we know that Neil Armstrong was the first man to achieve this.
3. Projecting Outcomes - By understanding what you've just read you'll have the ability to guess the next thing to take place. TV is a good time to improve this skill. Try doing it when you watch commercials.
Example: I had a bedtime snack then washed my hands and scrubbed my teeth and jumped into bed. Mommy sat on my bed and read me a book. When she was finished, she kissed me goodnight.
The logical conclusion is the child will fall asleep.
4. Fact or Opinion - Facts are based on proof and truth. Opinions are based on feelings and beliefs.
As an example: I am in the Bank Atlantic Center. Faith Hill and Tim McGraw are going to perform a concert. They are the finest singers of all!
As you can see, the factual sentences are the first two and the opinion is the third sentence. Your opinion does not have to agree with anyone else's because it reflects what YOU think. The author will give you clues into his thoughts by using comparison words that end in "er" or "est". Examples are funnier and funniest.
In summary, in order to read, interpretation is as important as knowing each word. Reading comprehension skills include identifying the main topic, inferring what was meant, forecasting what will happen and picking out fact vs opinion.
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