There are 3 Parts To Reading.
1. Decoding
2. Comprehension
3. Fluency
Comprehension
Reading is language based, while processing the
words on the page visually we must also process the sounds in the words.
When our children start to read it can take them time to sound out the letters in words e.g.
In the word "CAT" for example, they sound out each letter slowly, then they try to do it a little faster and fast again until eventually it sounds like a word and not just three
letters.
They must then engage their Working Memory to absorb the word and then match it to a picture of a cat in their mind's eye.
In order to comprehend a story they must do that for every word on the paragraph, page, chapter or book in order to answer questions at the end of the story.
Questions
about cause and effect, visualization, theme or general thinkink about it questions can be very difficult to answer.
If the actual information has not been given in the story and it is up to the reader to draw conclusions for example a story about a child going to the park with his friends and having a great time may warrant a comprehension question like =
"how did the boy
feel?" there is no information in the story about how the boy felt but it is reasonable to assume that he felt happy because he was with his friends and he was having a great time.
In primary school our children are still learning to read but in secondary school they must read to learn.
This can be very difficult for some if their reading is
behind their peers and they are trying to access new vocabulary and content in the many new subjects available to them as teenagers.
The outcome is comprehension.
We will look at fluency in the next email
All the best
John
PS This week I'm putting together a small group of parents who want to help their children get ready for the new year by working on their reading skills using Fast ForWord
We plan to start the week of Monday 4th November
The exercises can be done in as little as 30 minutes daily at home
Your child will be better able to pay attention, stay focused and remember what they are reading and learning.
They will also develop the ability to follow what the teacher is teaching in the classroom.
Our typical results are 1 to 2 years reading gains in 40 to 60 hours work.
Would you like to join us?
Just reply with the word "interested" and we will get you the information you need.
John
DYSHC241104
