Better Reading Skills

If you are able to read each single phrase on a page, are you actually reading? Well, perhaps not!

Being able to state aloud what's on the page is a form of reading, of course.. But there is more to reading than just uttering the written word. You must be able to understand. You must be able to explain what you've read and answer questions. Otherwise, you're merely reciting words on a page. True, knowing the words is key, but you also must understand the message. When this happens, you really are reading.

Certain specific skills must be developed to improve reading comprehension. If you have children, make sure you quiz them about what you've just read to enforce the meaning. This is important during school holidays and vacations especially.. Below are a few questions you could ask:

1. Main Theme - What was the reading about? The first sentence of a story or article may hold the clue as to the major theme or idea of the piece. The sentences that follow describe the main theme.

Here's an example: I went to Florida on vacation. The weather was warm and sunny. I went swimming in the ocean. I collected shells on the beach.

In this example, the first sentence says the principal idea and the remainder of the sentences convey more about what occurredat the place.

2. Inferences - Making a conclusion based on an assumption or knowledge is an inference.

Here's and example: An event of historic proportions happened when the Eagle spaceship touched down on the moon. The surface is full of rocks and craters. Before I take a step on the moon's surface, I need to get into my special space suit.

From these signals, you can deduce that a man will shortly step on the moon. Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon.

3. Forecasting Outcomes - If you want to forecast what might occur next, you'll need a good comprehension of what you've just read. Strengthen this talent during advertisements when you are watching TV!

For example: I washed my face and brushed my teeth and got into my PJs. My mom came in to read my favorite story. When the story was over she gave me a kiss.

You can infer that the child will go to sleep.

4. Fact or Opinion - A fact is something you will be able authenticate to be correct, regardless of if you like it, when an opinion is what you presume or believe.

For example: I am in the grocery store. Justin Timberlake is going giving a concert tonight. He is the best entertainer of all time!

The first 2 sentences are facts because they can be proven. The last sentence is an opinion, based on beliefs. What others think have no bearing on your opinion. It's only about what you think and believe. If you want a clue as to what the author is thinking, look for words that end in 'er', like bigger or "est", like biggest.

To sum up, reading is about knowing the words on the page and being able to interpret their meaning. The ability to use skills like picking out the main subject, drawing conclusions and differentiating fact from opinion will help in better reading comprehension.


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