Reading to Understand

Carol Peszko
Oct 31
2 min read

Here is an article from Classroom Companions that really resonates with me. In testing, we sometimes, perhaps unknowingly, are telling kids that fast reading is good reading. Slow down, maybe not. In essence, reading is understanding the words. Reading to the end of the page without time to listen to the words is useless. Reading comprehension can be easy with a stop or two. Read a short section and stop to ask questions. Talk about it. The simplest way to increase comprehension is to talk about what you just read. Make it a fun conversation - NOT an oral quiz!

Dear friend,

When it comes to reading, there's often a lot of focus on speed. But here's a surprising truth: Comprehension is more important than speed. If your child can read quickly but doesn't understand what they're reading, they're missing out on the real joy and purpose of reading—understanding and connecting with the story!

Why is comprehension so essential? Think of comprehension as the “big picture.” It's about truly understanding the meaning behind the words, connecting ideas, and making sense of what's happening in the story. When kids can comprehend what they're reading, they become more engaged and confident readers, which leads to a lifelong love of books.

Here's a tip to build comprehension: After reading a short passage, ask your child to “retell” it back to you. Let them explain what happened or what they learned. This approach helps them focus on the content of the story, rather than just getting through the words. You might be amazed by how excited they get when they get to share!

Here's a fun way to keep it interactive: When reading together, take turns “predicting” what might happen next in the story. This activity encourages your child to think critically and make connections between story elements, which are essential for comprehension. Plus, it's fun to guess what twists and turns might come next!

Did you know? Research has shown that comprehension skills actually support reading speed over time. When kids understand the story, they read with more fluency and expression, and their confidence builds naturally. So, focusing on comprehension is really a win-win for both understanding and reading pace!

What did the book say to the fast reader?

“Slow down, you're missing the point!” 📖😆