Does your child read a book but struggle to explain what it’s really about? Don’t worry,  you’re not alone. Reading comprehension is more than sounding out words; it’s about understanding, thinking and connecting with the text. The good news? With a few simple strategies, you can help your child become a more confident and thoughtful reader, all from the comfort of your home.

Here are five easy ways to get started:

1) Talk About What They’re Reading

After your child finishes a page or chapter, ask open-ended questions such as:

  • “What’s happening so far?”
  • “Why do you think the character did that?”
  • “How do you think the story might end?”

This helps them practise retelling the story and thinking about cause and effect, which are key skills for comprehension. Don’t worry about getting the “right” answer – it’s all about encouraging thinking and conversation.

2) Make Connections to Real Life

Children understand stories better when they can relate them to their own world. If a character is nervous about starting school, ask your child:

  • “How did you feel on your first day of school?”
  • “What would you do if you were that character?”

These text-to-self connections help children see reading as meaningful and relevant.

3) Explore New Words Together

If your child comes across an unfamiliar word, resist the urge to simply tell them what it means. Instead:

  • Look for clues in the sentence.
  • Discuss what the word could mean based on context.
  • Use the new word in your own sentences later that day.

This not only builds vocabulary but also shows your child that tricky words aren’t scary – they’re opportunities to learn.

4) Mix Up the Reading Materials

Comprehension improves when children read a variety of texts. Encourage a healthy mix of:

  • Storybooks and novels
  • Informational texts (magazines, fact books)
  • Poems or rhymes

Different types of writing teach children to pick up on different clues, like spotting facts in an article versus understanding emotions in a story.

5) Read Together and Think Aloud

Even if your child can read independently, take turns reading aloud. As you read, share your thoughts:

  • “I think the author wants us to feel excited here because the words are so dramatic.”
  • “This part reminds me of when we went to the beach.”

Modelling your thinking helps your child see how readers actively make sense of what they read. Helping your child with reading comprehension doesn’t have to feel like schoolwork. Keep it light, make it a conversation, and celebrate the small wins. The goal is to help your child enjoy reading and develop the skills they’ll need for all subjects, not just English or language arts.

At Oaktree International Institute of Education, we believe every child can become a confident reader and writer with the right support. If you’d like more tips, activities or updates on our workshops and resources, join our newsletter and let’s help children thrive together.