Have you ever seen a student read something perfectly then ask them questions about it afterward and come to find out that they didn’t know anything about the content of what they just read?
They can read, right? So why don’t they understand what they are reading?
Too often the emphasis in early reading skills is put on reciting words and saying them perfectly and not on actual comprehension. Comprehension doesn’t magically materialize just because the mechanical ability is there.
The definition of reading encompasses much more than recognizing letter formation and rotely saying a word. It is more broadly defined as the ability to decode letters and sounds (words) to derive meaning from them. Reading is essentially, an understanding of another’s communication.
If a person can read by that definition, they are building vocabulary and a solid foundation for their future education.
If comprehension is not occurring, then the answer is just as simple; define the words, build the vocabulary, and ensure the communication is understood.
This article was found on Applied Scholastics.