“Reading is the gateway for children that makes all other learning possible.”
— Barack Obama
One of the most valuable ways you can support your child’s education is by reading with them regularly. But reading isn’t just about saying the words on the page — it’s about understanding what they mean. That’s where comprehension skills come in.
Comprehension is the ability to understand, interpret, and discuss what is read. When children develop strong comprehension skills, they can think critically, follow storylines, make connections, and truly enjoy the reading experience.
And the great news? You don’t need to be a teacher to help your child build these skills — just talking with them about the book makes a huge difference.
Here are some ways you can help build these essential skills at home:
- Talk about the story: After reading, ask questions like “What happened in the story?” or “Why did the character do that?” Let your child explain in their own words.
- Use your home language: Feel free to talk about the book in the language you’re most comfortable with. Understanding comes first — and using your home language can make that even stronger.
- Read the same book again: Don’t worry about starting a new book every night. Revisiting a story allows your child to notice new details, build confidence, and improve their understanding.
- Talk about the characters: Look at the pictures and ask how the characters might be feeling. “How do you think they feel? How can you tell? How would you feel?” These questions help children learn empathy and emotional insight.
- Make predictions and connections: Try asking, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Has something like this happened to you?
- Keep it light and fun: Reading time doesn’t need to be a lesson — it should feel like a shared adventure. When kids enjoy reading, they’ll want to do it more often.
Happy reading and happy talking!
Sasha Key
(Mondays and Tuesdays)