Susan Zimmerman and Chryse Hutchins are experienced reading consultants who
have written 7 Keys to Comprehension.
Based on current research the authors state that there are seven keys to
proficient reading:
* Creating mental images
* Using background knowledge
* Ask questions
* Make inferences
* Determine the most important ideas or themes
* Synthesize information
* Use fix-up strategies
There are many ways parents can help their child improve their reading at
home.
The "I Wonder" game is a great example of how easy it is for parents to
assist their child. 'I Wonder" Game is a very easy game to play. Parents
encourage their child to ask questions before, during, and after reading to
inspire wonder. Before you or your child begin to read a book, take
a "picture walk" through the book. Ask questions like: "I wonder why the
author put this picture here?" or "I wonder what is going in this part of
the book?" Asking questions then finding the answers sets a purpose for
reading the book. The reader will have to search for answers. Children
should ask questions about the book too. Asking questions then finding
answers is fun! Reading shouldn't be boring. You want to share excitement
about reading.
Word games are fun ways to develop ability to infer. Teach your child how
to play "Twenty Questions". Your child can try to guess a vocabulary word
or the identity of a person by asking questions. They can ask questions
like: "Would loyalty be a synonym for the vocabulary word?" Or " Does each
planet have one?" Parents can only answer by stating yes or no.
Helping your child synthesize is another key to reading. After your child
has finished reading biographies or any story that has characters you can
ask then to decide if they would like the main character for their best
friend. Have your child read you passages from the book to explain their
answer. Or did you notice yourself asking questions when reading doesn't
make sense?
