Reading Comprehension

Reading comprehension means understanding what you read. It is not just about reading the words on a page. It is about knowing what they mean and being able to think about them. Good readers use special strategies to help them understand what they read.

Strategies for Understanding

Good readers do many things to help them understand. They ask questions while they read. They make pictures in their mind about what is happening. They connect what they read to things they already know. They also stop and think about what they just read.

Why It Matters

Reading comprehension is important for school and life. You need it to understand your homework and tests. You also need it to follow instructions, read signs, and learn new things. The more you read, the better your comprehension gets.

Fun Facts

• Your brain is more active when reading than when watching TV.
• People who read a lot often have larger vocabularies.
• Reading for just 20 minutes a day can make a big difference in your comprehension skills.

Did You Know?

Studies show that kids who are read to as babies often become stronger readers when they grow up.