A key strategy for reading is to visualize a picture of what is being read. Since the words are intended to describe something the author sees or pictures, young readers benefit from taking the time to visualize the subject and the action as they read. As the young reader visualizes the story taking place, the reader can better comprehend what he is reading.
Looking for clues in the surrounding text can help primary-school readers develop greater comprehension of what they are reading. Young readers can look to actions described in prior or following sentences to make sense of sentences or vocabulary they do not understand. A young reader can also look to clues in the text to predict upcoming events in the story. Even if the reader is wrong in their prediction, a reader may read more closely if she anticipates that her prediction will be true.
Primary school students benefit from noticing breaks in the way language flows. Each type of reading material will have its own rhythm and style, which the reader will become adapted to as he follows along. Young readers should take note when words fall out of the rhythm and style of the rest of the text. Such breaks signal changes in the story, such as plot twists, that require that the reader pay closer attention.
New readers may feel a lot of pressure to understand a passage on the first read. However, rereading is a critical strategy for comprehension. Any question a student has about the passage can be answered by rereading prior sentences to pick up on parts of the story that were previously missed.
Primary school is a crucial time to interest children in reading. Boys, particularly, and some girls may be reluctant to read. Introducing children to reading material that reflects their personal circumstance or discusses areas of interest will facilitate development of reading skills, especially comprehension and vocabulary development.
Early readers will benefit from a quiet, comfortable place to read that is free of distractions. Young children who are just learning to read can be distracted from reading by the everyday bustle of the household or the volume and variable flicker of the television. Set up a special corner with cushions and good light. Help your young reader by turning off the television or computer for an hour dedicated just to reading.