Build reading comprehension by asking your child to 鈥榳onder鈥�
When children are small, they ask lots of questions. But often in school, they are asked to answer questions.
Getting your child to return to his naturally curious state鈥攐f asking questions before, during and after reading鈥攚ill boost his motivation to read and enhance his understanding of what he reads.
To do this, don鈥檛 tell him to ask questions. Suggest he 鈥渨onder.鈥� Wondering has been shown to free students鈥� thinking more.
Before reading an assignment, have your child examine the chapter. Have him look at the headings and illustrations. Then ask him to write down what he already knows about the subject. Also have him write down what he sees. 鈥淚 see a map of the thirteen colonies.鈥�
Then ask what he might wonder. He might wonder what the chapter is about, what he鈥檒l learn and what will happen.
During and after reading, he might wonder, 鈥淗ow come?鈥� 鈥淲hy did 鈥� ?鈥� He could also wonder what the teacher might put on the test!
Reprinted with permission from the April 2008 issue of Parents make the difference!庐 (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright 漏 2008 The Parent Institute庐, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: Lori Oczkus, Super Six Comprehension Strategies: 35 Lessons and More for Reading Success, ISBN: 1-929024-69-X (Christopher-Gordon Publisher, Inc., 1-800-934-8322, www.Christopher-Gordon.com).