Encourage the student to read to you. Use books that meet his current reading level. Point out clues to help the student decode the message if he falters. This includes sounding words out, looking at context clues in the pictures or the story and recognition of sight words. Supply the word if he can’t figure it out and then have him reread the passage, correctly identifying the word. Have patience with the student and encourage him. If the book you or he has chosen is too difficult, move to an easier book to improve effectiveness and self-confidence. Read books that are above his reading comprehension level as a model for how he should read the material.
Have your child read a story or section of text and then relay the information or retell the story in her own words to improve fluency and comprehension. Reread sections of the material with her when necessary. Ask questions about important parts of the story, such as the name of the main character and what he is doing or what he thinks about his situation. Have her draw the events or explain the steps of a process. Alternatively, have the student map the story or passage by identifying key characters, events and actions.
Pair students with similar reading levels together and have them read together for fluency and comprehension. For example, assign each one a character in a two-person play and have them read through the play, sharing responsibility for reading any directions. Encourage the students to read the lines with feeling and expression. Have them write the play as a story after they complete the reading to check comprehension. Alternatively, have the student read with a more accomplished reader who can assist when he struggles.
Encourage the student to employ memory techniques to improve reading comprehension and retention. Have her picture the events in her mind and relate the sequence of a story or narrative. Relate facts together so she connects new material with information she already knows. Have her underline the important facts and ideas on a copy of the material and make note cards she can refer to later. Remind her to go back and reread the material if she has difficulty remembering the details.