Even as an adult reader, there are times when I am reading a story and I get lost and I'm not sure what has happened.  Fortunately, when this happens, I have strategies I use to help me clear up the confusion.  However, some children keep reading and do not realize they lost comprehension until the end of the story.  They are too concerned with reading accurately, and forget to think about the story.  Here are some things a parent can do to help their child gain comprehension skills and check their understanding for themselves.

1.  When reading to your child, stop periodically and say, "Let's see if we remember what I just read.  Think about who the story was about and what happened."  Do this 3 or 4 times throughout the story.

2.  When reading to your child, stop and have them practice checking for understanding by saying, "I heard you say ...."

3.  As your child reads, ask them the following questions:

*  Who did you just read about?
*  What just happened?
*  Was your brain talking to you as you read?
*  Do you understand what you are reading?
*  What can you do if you don't remember?
*  What do you think might happen next?
*  How do you feel about...?
* What could the character have done differently?


ideas and strategies taken from: The CAFE Book