Slow down for reading comprehension
Sometimes, kids just want to go too fast. In reading, this can surface in students who are very good at decoding words--in other words fast readers. Many times, fast readers can decode words so fast, that they miss meaning. They can recite the words, but they do not pick up on the meaning of what they are reading very well.

Reading specialists will tell you that you need to slow these students down. Reading fluency and speed need to be balanced with comprehension skills. Stopping to look at pictures, reading titles, considering the context of the situation in the story or passage all contribute clues to helping students comprehend what they are reading. If you are working with your child on reading comprehension, here are a few things you can do to help them comprehend more:

• Talk to your child about the title of the book. Why
• Stop frequently and ask your child questions about what was just read.
• Ask your child to predict what might happen next.
• Ask how a character might feel in a story after an important event.
• Encourage your child to look at the pictures, the title of the book or passage, and any bold text that may appear. These are all clues to meaning.

Remember, speed is not the only measurement of strong reading ability. Students must be able to comprehend what they are reading, and taking a few steps to slow them down can help them comprehend more.