The Secret to Increasing Reading Comprehension

Improving reading comprehension is the primarybook is counted as too difficult.
way to accelerating your child's learning. TheWhile reading books that are too difficult may
number one question I'm asked when it comes toappear the way to go, this actually does little to
homeschooling and helping children learn is "Howpush your child to the next level. Not that your
can I help my child move ahead in reading?"child can't enjoy a difficult book - but continually
We all want our children to develop acceleratedimmersing a child in books that are too hard
reading skills so they can enjoy higher levels ofactually hinders the development of
learning. Plus, skilled readers have an easier timecomprehension skills. Sure - it looks impressive to
learning overall. No wonder parents' number onehave five-year-old Jimmy thumbing through
academic concern revolves around improving theirencyclopedias, but he's going to be a more
child's reading abilities.successful reader if he's immersed in books on his
I attended a seminar by a reading specialist, andcurrent level. He'll move ahead quickly and will be
her comments about increasing a child's readingenjoying those encyclopedias soon enough!
level honestly surprised me. The good thing is thatYou can further accelerate your child's reading
the process is much simpler than you might think!abilities by reading a book together each night
How can I help my child reach "the next level" inthat's just above the average reading level of
reading?children (one or two levels).
It's a simple process. Reading research showsSome of my favorite read-aloud books include
that after a child has read approximately 35the Laura Ingalls Wilder series, G. A. Henty books,
books on his current reading level, he's ready forSummer of the Monkeys, The Sign of the
the next level.Beaver, Swiss Family Robinson and Heidi.
That's a cinch. Just read 35 books on your currentFor a detailed series of questions that help in
level, and you're ready for the next!improving reading comprehension on multiple
But how do you tell which reading level a child islevels, check the free resources section of
on? This evaluation is vital in making sure theOur brains process the skill of reading gradually.
process works. Again, the method is easy. SimplyBy helping your child choose books on his level,
have your child open a book to any page andyou can naturally increase his reading level and
read it aloud. If there are five or fewer wordscomprehension over time. (no worksheets
that she can't pronounce, then the book is finenecessary!) Enjoy the reading process together
for her. More than five unknown words, and theand watch your child's skills take off!