Tips for Reading Comprehension
It is important that we take the students step by step into the process before we let go of them to do independent reading.
Pixabay
Teacher III
Surabay National High School
lewis.templado@deped.gov.ph
While reading comprehension is something we thought we know, there are times when we feel it’s a hard thing to do. Comprehending what we read involves several strategies. For students who are beginning how to read and comprehend, it is important that we take them step by step into the process before we let go of them to do independent reading.
Before diving in, preview first the material, skim the headings, subheadings, and any highlighted or bold text. This gives you an overview and helps set the context. Look for key words, key details, important concepts so that you can create a concept map in your head what the text is all about.
Next, engage with the text by asking questions, making predictions, and summarizing sections in your own words. This keeps your mind focused. Analyzing what your read enables you to break down elements in the text. It allows you to see the connection of each part, character, plot, events, and ideas in the text.
After that, jot down key points, unfamiliar words, and summaries as you read. This reinforces your understanding and aids retention. Knowing the meaning of the unfamiliar words helps you understand the vocabulary as used in the context. There is also a strong correlation that students better remember the ideas when they jot them down because of their hands-on experience in writing.
Relate the material to your own experiences or knowledge. Making connections can deepen comprehension. You could activate your schema or prior knowledge and try to connect the two concepts side by side. Or else, there might be concepts in what you are reading that are closely related to other subjects like Math or Science. Making connections in what you are reading to your own personal experiences leads to a more meaningful experience in reading.
Talking about the material with others can clarify your thoughts and expose you to different interpretations. Two heads are better than one. Two people may have a different take and interpretation about the text. It is important to listen to other’s view and thought about the material because there might be some points of wisdom in their way of understanding the text.
After finishing, review your notes and reflect on what you learned. Summarizing key ideas in your own words can reinforce comprehension. Do these steps regularly until it becomes easy for you to comprehend things. Be patient as well in reading and understanding the text, especially those that need deeper interpretation.
Finding the right combination of these strategies can significantly improve your comprehension skills over time!
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