- being able to read the words
- being able to understand what the words say
Reading comprehension happens before, during, and after reading. We should be teaching these strategies throughout the story. Here are 8 ways on how to improve reading comprehension and some ideas to implement with your students or your own children at home.
How to Improve Reading Comprehension
- Make Predictions: Good readers predict what will happen next as they progress through a story. They confirm their predictions by the pictures, print of the text, and the whole context. Teaching students to make predictions will help keep them involved in the story. We make predictions all the time when we are watching movies, why not with books too? Click here to read another blog post I wrote about Making Predictions.
- Use Prior Knowledge: Readers create meaning when prior knowledge is integrated with new knowledge. When students can draw upon their experiences and background knowledge, their understanding is enhanced and reading comprehension is greatly improved. Prior knowledge is said to provide schema which is the framework that facilitates thinking.
- "Seeing" what they read in their head: Making pictures in our heads as we read will help the reader see what they are reading. This takes time and practice. Usually taking one sentence at a time and closing our eyes to see what they just read will help beginners learn the skill. Making the picture in our heads will help students understand and remember what they read. This will help engage the student and help them follow through to the end. They should be visualizing what the characters look like, the setting or surroundings they are in, and picturing the actions and emotions the characters are displaying as they evolve through the story.
- Making Connections: Connecting a story to our real lives and making it personal really enhances comprehension. Connections help you remember and understand what you read. Connections happen in 3 ways; connection with other books, connections with ourselves, and connections with the outside world around us. Click here to read another blog post I wrote about Making Connections.
- Reading with fluency: Research tells us that fluency and comprehension are related. Being able to read at a good rate allows the reader to stay with the story and to be pulled along by the plot. Students should be able to read 100 words per minute on their reading level. If it's under 100 words per minute, then the story is too hard for the student. If they are reading over 100 words per minute, then the story is too easy for them and they will need to read something more challenging.
- Rereading when you don't understand: This strategy is what makes a good reader. When we don't understand what we just read, we must go back and reread it. If students are doing this, then they are on the right track. But if you find students just continuing to read without correcting themselves, they are not going to comprehend the story very well and will miss key points along the way.
- Retell and Summarize: Retelling and summarizing have a significant positive effect on comprehension. Looking for the main idea, using supporting details with what's important and what's not, using graphic organizers to break down the story, and able to retell it in short form. When students talk about the story, they are clarifying, addressing points of view, and explaining interpretations. Students who can understand story structure have a greater appreciation, understanding, and memory for stories. Click here to see a blog post all about graphic organizers.
- Good vocabulary: Students learn many words throughout the school year and every year they build on this list. Teaching good words or vocabulary will enhance their knowledge. Words are the basic building blocks of communication. Having a strong vocabulary is essential in comprehension as well as in writing and speaking too. Encountering new words helps the student in many ways. Have a vocabulary word wall in your classroom to keep reminding students these words and seeing them all the time over and over again will ensure proficiency.
When we teach comprehension strategies, we our giving our students the tools to be successful. Students are responsible for their own comprehension. It is up to them to use the skills and strategies they are taught and apply them to their own reading.
When teaching reading comprehension, the teacher includes these teaching strategies during their instruction:
- The teacher is giving direct explanation or instruction of why the strategy helps comprehension and when to apply the strategy.
- The teacher models how to apply the comprehension strategy by using "think aloud" or modeling fluency or reading techniques.
- The teacher provides guided practice and assistance to the students as they learn how and when to apply the comprehension strategies.
- The teacher provides the students with practice until the student can apply the skill independently.
Beginning readers, as well as more advanced readers, must understand that the ultimate goal of reading is comprehension. These strategies are not the only ways to help students understand the story. They are the means of helping your students understand what they are reading.
Here is a FREE list on "How to Improve Reading Comprehension" in bookmark form to give to your students for reminders to check themselves throughout reading. Click the picture below to download your FREE BOOKMARKS. Copy and cut-out the bookmarks for each student to use during school time or during their independent reading time. This freebie comes in 2 versions: black and white and with a gray scale shown below.
Keep reading below to see some resources that I have created to help with reading comprehension...
I have a set of 20 Reading Comprehension Worksheets that are perfect for 1st and 2nd graders. There are 20 reading passages that students read and answer the who, what, when, where, and why questions. These are great for going back in the story to look for answers. Click the pictures below to be taken to my TPT store to read more about these reading comprehension worksheets.
Good readers have a purpose for reading. I have a set of 18 posters that help with all kinds of reading strategies. I have these posters posted in my own classroom. Students love the visuals and they are great reminders for students as they practice reading strategies and comprehension. Click the pictures below to be taken to my TPT store to read more about them.
I also have a pack of 20 reading passages for 1st graders to read and sequence the story. Theses worksheets are cut and paste. Students read the story, cut out the 5 sentence strips that summarize the story, and they place the strips in order from beginning to end. Students will be needing to use their comprehension skills to be able to summarize and sort the story in order with these worksheets. The stories are cute and fun to read for beginning readers. Click the pictures below to be taken to my TPT store to read more about them.
Here are some resources I have used in the past to help improve reading comprehension. I linked them to Amazon to make it easy for you to check out:
Here are some teacher books that are helpful for the elementary classroom:
Thanks for stopping by today!
See you soon,

According to the writers of Buy Dissertation Online a better comprehension occurs when students are engaged in activities that improve their old knowledge with the new one. Through questioning, analyzing text structure, visualization and summarizing, they can increase their reading comprehension ability. Do you agree with me?
ReplyDeleteI started to improve my reading comprehension when I was in 6th grade I use to be very noob in reading so One day I started read the novel and then I found it interesting also it is getting use to it and now I am skilled in reading
DeleteIt is very informative information for everyone. I really enjoyed reading your blog. share more post like this. however looking for best quality leather jacket like Casino royale tuxedo made from good quality material with the latest style design. you can take it on events and trips too.
DeleteThanks for sharing these guidelines. This post would be very useful for many students. I know how important reading comprehension is important to learn. This year, I have to do my dissertation UK standards and for this reason, I am completing my primary and secondary readings nowadays. I am glad that whatever I had learned in secondary school about reading comprehension is now helping me in my higher studies and especially in the research projects.
ReplyDeleteSuch an amazing and authentic post for all the new upcoming generations but there are also very grateful and effective vehicles available like to having the most essential Low price car in Pakistan, because these cars are so perfect for the pupils to having them very easily on Proton Motors Pakistan.
ReplyDeleteI’ve was the type of person who really disliked reading. The only time i would read is for school assignments, and I slugged through the books, unless it was something i was really passionate about, in that case i would persevere. Other than that, the one way that really helped me get through the books and comprehend them was to listen to the audio version while reading the book. That’s the only thing that got me through the assignments
ReplyDeleteI think Rereading when you don't understand and the good vocabulary is the initial part you can say so it is the major thing you can count on if you ware willing to improve your reading comprehensions.
ReplyDeleteYou can also download some apps from apkfun.com to improve your comprehensive skills daily right with your phone!
ReplyDeletechand dharti se kitna dur hai and Banglalink Balance Check
ReplyDeleteIf you merely try to keep yourself from committing these errors, you might be able to finish all of your writing projects on time. If you keep in mind these suggestions while you write, your paper should significantly improve Assignment Help .
ReplyDeleteWe appreciate you taking the time to give us this important information. Since reading one of your ideas, I've noticed that I work more quickly and quietly. I appreciate reading your blog posts in my free time and picking up new information from them. Accept my sincere appreciation for everything you have done for me. This is a pretty valiant effort.
ReplyDeleteWe value you taking the time to provide us with this crucial information. I've discovered that since reading one of your concepts, I work more quickly and silently. In my spare time, I enjoy reading your blog postings, law essay writing service and learning new things from them.
ReplyDeleteCut and paste is used in these worksheets. Students read the narrative, then cut out the five-sentence summary strips and arrange them in chronological sequence.
ReplyDeleteThey use the images, the text's print, and the overall context to support their predictions. Making guesses with pupils will keep them interested in the tale.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the blog for IMPROVE READING COMPREHENSION. Here we will discuss ways to improve your reading comprehension skills. We will cover topics such as active reading, identifying main ideas, and using context clues. We hope that you find this blog helpful and that you are able to use the strategies we discuss to improve your reading comprehension.
ReplyDeleteExcellent ! I personally like your blog and waiting for more articles like this
ReplyDeleteIf you are interested in learning about driving skills, please contact me as I am one of the best manual and automatic driving instructors at a UK driving school.
ReplyDeleteExcellent ! I personally like your blog and waiting for more articles like this.
ReplyDeleteI've always been the kind of person who detested reading a lot. I only ever read for school assignments, and even then, I struggled through the books unless they were subjects I was truly interested in, in which case I would continue. UK MBA dissertation Online Other than that, the only thing that actually made it easier for me to read and understand the books was
ReplyDeleteWhy do you feel embarrassed as you see the message of Brother Printer offline? Having this condition is meant that you do not gain the pleasing scanning outcome. In case such problem happens in reality, you do not give the idea of taking scanning outcome in return of hard copy. So, you do not come in the deadlock condition and take the troubleshoot help with professional. You do not feel bad and take the association of our expert. View our website to know more information. https://www.printerfixingerror.com/blog/how-to-fix-brother-printer-offline/
ReplyDeleteThis is useful and your thought is quite great. I really appreciate to you for this. I am providing the best black neverfull hand bags in our store. This bag has a solution for your all hand bags problems.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this amazing post. Online Photo Compressor has a extensive experience in fast and free photo compressors, best quality compressor or photo optimization. We have better plans for your business.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this post with us. Here the best painting company in Dubai, UAE. We have very low budget services. we can make easy painting services for you.
ReplyDeleteReading your blogs, especially this one on HOW TO IMPROVE READING COMPREHENSION, is usually intriguing. I am grateful that I came on your website today when seeking for an Education Dissertation Topics service since I am a student who values this type of knowledge, and this is a rare occurrence. This article intrigued me. If you are a student in need of homework assistance, go to this website.
ReplyDeleteI am impressed, keep it up I have to consider this piece of information useful, and this blog is so dear to my heart. Thank you for sharing. is aun post utme de form out
ReplyDeleteI have read your blog its very informative to the reader. If you merely try to keep yourself from committing these errors, you might be able to finish all of your writing projects on time is assignment help company. If you keep in mind these suggestions while you write, your paper should significantly improve writing.
ReplyDeleteThe authors of Buy Dissertation Online claim that when students participate in activities that blend their prior knowledge with new information, understanding improves. They can improve their reading comprehension by asking questions, examining text structure, visualising, and summarising. Do you share my opinion?
ReplyDeleteI liked viewing an article of its kind. It literally means the best thorn and you seem to be a fantastic article. I could feel your perfection in giving out and blogging. A million thanks for sharing. fudutse cut off mark for banking and finance
ReplyDeleteWhen students can draw on their experiences and past knowledge, their understanding and reading comprehension improve best ghostwriting services USA dramatically.
ReplyDeleteTheir expectations are met by the visuals, text print, and overall context. Making guesses take my ged exam with students will keep them interested in the story.
ReplyDeletehey specialize in providing high-quality foundation repair services to residential and commercial properties. If you are looking for a trusted foundation repair Edmonton, Ramma Foundation Repair is the right choice for you.
ReplyDeleteImproving reading comprehension skills is essential for academic success and lifelong learning. It involves both decoding and understanding the meaning of the text. Similarly, Simple and Sinister Dubai is a fitness program that requires mastering the basics to achieve strength and conditioning goals. Both require consistent practice and dedication.
ReplyDeleteIt’s really a nice and useful piece of information. I am glad that you shared this useful learning comprehensive skills and content.Thank you for sharing. peaceland coe admission form
ReplyDeleteRamma Foundation Repair is a trusted brand specializing in Edmonton foundation repair services. With their expertise and commitment to excellence, they ensure efficient and reliable solutions for all your foundation repair needs. Trust Ramma Foundation Repair to restore the stability and integrity of your property.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely agree with your tips on improving reading comprehension! As a student working on my Btec Assignments., I've found that active reading techniques make a world of difference. Highlighting key points and jotting down summaries as I go really help me retain information. Taking short breaks during longer reading sessions is another gem of advice; it keeps me focused and prevents information overload. Also, practicing with a diverse range of texts has expanded my vocabulary and understanding.
ReplyDeleteExperience the vitality boost with Monster Rabbit, known for its premium royal epimedium sex honey. Elevate your energy and wellness with their exceptional products tailored for a healthier lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteIt's truly refreshing to read your insightful blog; your wisdom shines through in every post. Monkey Type has transformed the way I type; it's a must-visit for anyone looking to enhance their typing skills.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate the effort you put into your blog. It's evident that you're passionate about your topics, and your writing style is both informative and enjoyable to read. Keep up the great work, and I look forward to reading more from you in the future. Cheers
ReplyDeletereckless driving lawyer Union County
Share your before-and-after pics of your water heater upgrade! water heater replacement plano
ReplyDeleteWater heater noise driving you crazy? It might need a flush. water heater replacement nm
ReplyDeleteI can't express enough how much I appreciate your blog; it's like a virtual treasure trove of knowledge. Click Per Second is a fantastic way to compete with friends; they're in for a click-fueled adventure!
ReplyDeleteMonster Rabbit is renowned for its exceptional sex honey in uae, offering a natural and thrilling way to enhance intimacy and vitality. Experience the power of passion with Monster Rabbit's premium products.
ReplyDelete