Reading Comprehension Tips For Parents: How To Raise A Confident Reader!
Is your child struggling to understand what they read, and you’re unsure how to help them find their confidence?
If your child is struggling with reading comprehension, you’re not alone—and you’ve come to the right place. Many parents feel overwhelmed when they realize their child is having difficulty understanding what they read. The good news? With the right strategies, tools, and a little patience, you can help your child become a more confident and engaged reader.
Are you new here? Welcome! I’m Miss Beth, the founder of Big City Readers—a different kind of early childhood development. I believe children need flexibility and fun to engage and grow as readers. Not all kids learn from sitting at a desk, and my job as an educator is to find the best solution for every child. I use the 5 building blocks of early literacy: read, write, sing, talk, and play, along with the Orton-Gillingham method, which taps into the three learning pathways—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.
Today, let’s walk through why reading comprehension matters, why kids might struggle, and most importantly, what you can do to support your child every step of the way.
How To ACTUALLY Practice Reading Comprehension
Reading comprehension is all about helping your child connect with what they’re reading, so it doesn’t feel like a chore. The key is to make it interactive and fun! Instead of just asking if they “get it,” focus on ways to help them dive into the story and think critically about it.
Here are some simple ways to practice reading comprehension with your child:
Predict Outcomes
Before starting a chapter or section, ask your child what they think might happen next based on the title or previous events in the story. Afterward, discuss whether their predictions were correct and why. This keeps them curious and invested in the story.
Summarize Stories
Have your child retell what they’ve read in their own words—either verbally or by writing it down. This helps them identify key ideas and themes while improving retention. One of my favorite games to play for this is by having the entire family perform a short 30-second "commercial". The goal is to advertise what you’re reading, but more importantly, it allows your child to recall what they just read.
Ask Questions
Encourage critical thinking by asking open-ended questions like “Why do you think this character made that choice?” or “What do you think will happen next?” These discussions can deepen their understanding of the text while making reading feel more interactive.
All Reading Starts With A Strong Foundation In Phonics And Vocabulary
Regardless of your child’s age, revisiting (or introducing) foundational skills like phonics and vocabulary can make all the difference in their comprehension abilities. These building blocks help kids decode unfamiliar words and feel more confident as readers.
But what does a foundation of phonics and vocabulary look like? Here’s how to best break it down:
Phonemic Awareness: Practice breaking words into sounds (e.g., “cat” becomes /c/ /a/ /t/) and blending them together again. This helps kids recognize patterns in language.
Vocabulary Building: Introduce new words during everyday conversations or while reading together. Encourage your child to guess meanings from context clues before looking up definitions.
Choosing Level-Appropriate Books: Select books that match your child’s current reading level—or even slightly below it—to build confidence without overwhelming them.
By strengthening both phonics and vocabulary, your child will have an easier time tackling more complex texts as they progress. If you’re curious to learn more about how to focus on these foundational learning skills, check out my post: Phonological Awareness vs Phonics: What Is The Difference?
Reading Comprehension Activities Do Not Have To Be Boring! Here’s What To Try…
Learning doesn’t have to feel like work! Try these creative activities to make reading fun while reinforcing comprehension skills:
Story Scavenger Hunts: Challenge your child to find specific details in the text (e.g., “What color was the main character’s jacket?”). This encourages close reading while turning it into a game.
Compare Books and Movies: Watch film adaptations of books together and discuss similarities and differences between the two versions.
Interactive Games: Use board games or follow recipes together—both require careful reading of instructions! Everyday activities like these help reinforce comprehension skills in practical ways.
Let Them Choose Books They Love: Letting your child pick books on topics they’re passionate about—whether it’s sports or fantasy adventures—can motivate them to read more enthusiastically.
Use A Reading Worksheet: Simple reading worksheets are a great way to introduce and practice comprehension skills in a structured and engaging way. For example, our Free Kim’s Pig Reading Worksheet includes a fun story and easy questions to help your child focus on key details while building confidence.
If Your Child Is Struggling With Reading Comprehension, Start By Identifying The Root Cause
It’s important to understand that struggling with reading comprehension doesn’t mean your child isn’t smart or capable—it just means they need extra support in this area. To address their specific struggles, the first step is identifying what the root cause is. Some common reasons for difficulty include:
Reading Too Fast: Children often rush through text without pausing to process it fully, missing key details or ideas.
Weak Vocabulary: Without a strong understanding of words, it’s hard for kids to grasp the meaning of sentences or passages.
Lack Of Focus Or Interest: If the material feels boring or overwhelming, kids may disengage entirely.
Underlying Challenges: Conditions like dyslexia, ADHD, or anxiety can make reading more difficult and frustrating.
If you notice these behaviors, don’t panic—there are steps you can take to help them improve. There is nothing “wrong” with your child, and they are not “behind”. This is just a sign they need more support in this specific area of learning.
Here’s How To Work Through Challenges As A Family
Every reader faces challenges at some point—but with patience and encouragement, these obstacles can be overcome:
Work Through Frustration: Break reading sessions into smaller chunks with plenty of breaks in between so your child doesn’t feel overwhelmed.
Encourage Patience: Remind your child that progress takes time—and celebrate every small milestone along the way!
Introduce Wiggle Breaks: Allow movement between sessions (like stretching or dancing) to help refocus your child’s energy before diving back into their book.
If your child continues to struggle, don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers or literacy specialists for additional support! They can provide strategies and support that meet your child’s unique needs. Remember, every step forward—no matter how small—is a step toward success.
Creating A Reading-Friendly Environment Is Another Great Way To Celebrate Reading!
A positive environment can make all the difference when it comes to encouraging your child to read. Here’s how to make a reading space feel special:
Design a Cozy Reading Nook: Set up a quiet space with comfortable seating, good lighting, and easy access to books that interest your child. A welcoming space can make reading feel less like homework and more like an escape into another world!
Incorporate Reading Into Daily Routines: Make reading part of everyday life by sharing bedtime stories or listening to audiobooks during car rides. Even short sessions add up over time!
Be a Role Model: Let your child see you enjoying books—whether it’s an actual book, magazine, or even recipes in the kitchen! When they see you valuing reading, they’re more likely to follow suit.
Reading Comprehension Is a Lifelong Practice! Foster Excitement Towards It As A Whole Family!
Reading isn’t just an academic skill—it’s a gateway to creativity and knowledge that lasts a lifetime! By using these strategies at home—and staying patient through challenges—you’re helping your child build skills that will serve them well in school and beyond.
Remember: You don’t have to tackle this alone—and every small step forward is something worth celebrating! With time and support from you as their biggest cheerleader, your child will find joy in reading again!
Do you have any further questions on how to address challenges in reading comprehension? Please ask away in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest childhood development tips, check out my recent posts:
