Introduction
Reading a book to your child is not an experience where you only read as your child listens. From the moment you look at the cover of a book, a conversation of questions and answers should begin. Doing so increases your child's interest and comprehension (understanding) of the story.
Tools and Materials
Materials, books, paper, writing/drawing materials
Steps to take
Get the most out of questioning. With younger children, begin with simple right and wrong answers from the book's text. As your child grows, ask questions like "Why do you think?, Have you ever..?" to encourage deep comprehension.
At Home
If you have 3 minutes
- Point to two different pictures and ask, "What is the same?" and "What is different?" Some examples are (spoon/fork, tree/bush, rose/daisy, chicken/duck).
- Play "I-Spy" with a book. Open a book to a page and "spy" something on the page.
- Ask your child what he likes about the pictures, characters or story.
- Ask your child if he remembers feeling the same emotions as the character, going to the same places the character visits or seeing the same objects or settings in real life.
- Have your child draw an answer to your question (for example, "Draw the characters in the story").
On the Go
If you have 3 minutes
- Do a book review with your child. Pick a favorite book ask you child "What happened to the princess in the book first?", "Then what happened?" and so on. *Remember: If you find your child struggling, refer to a picture in the book and say "What is the gorilla doing here?" Remember the 5 "W" questions ("who, what, when, where, why" and don't forget "how" too!) These are good questions to get your child's brain flowing. Ask your child to name the characters in the story ("Who was in the story?") give clues if necessary.
Words to Know
Comprehension Where Why Story How Who What When
Possible Observations
Answers questions about story; listens to a story; draws pictures about a story; points to pictures in a story when asked