More Than Just Words: Supporting Reading Comprehension in Everyday Moments
- Abbie Cameron
- May 20
- 6 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Developing a love and understanding of reading is about so much more than just decoding words on a page. It's about making connections, meaning, building empathy, expanding vocabulary, and experiencing the world through different perspectives. For many children, especially those with learning differences, reading comprehension can be a challenge, but with the right tools, support, and mindset, every child can grow into a confident, curious, and capable reader.
The beauty of reading is that it comes in many forms, from storybooks and graphic novels to audiobooks, podcasts, and even recipes or comics. Whether it’s through words on a page, visuals, or sounds, reading can be as dynamic and engaging as the child experiencing it. Each format helps build different skills and makes reading feel like an adventure, no matter how your child interacts with it.
In this blog we will explore tools, strategies and routines to support young readers at home!
Scroll down for a free downloadable resource!
Make it Consistent!
Building a reading routine is like any other skill development - reading skills take practice! You want to instil comfort in your child when it comes to reading. You want it to become less of a chore and more of an enjoyable habit.
Let's explore ways to make reading a regular and exciting part of your child's routine.
Set up a cozy reading environment, like a reading nook with things that your child wants/likes to be comfortable. This can look like fidgets, weights blankets/pillows, lighting, comfortable and flexible searing, highlighters, headphones, etc.
Give your child options of books. Graphic novels, magazines, joke books...it all counts. Choosing something that they think looks fun and exciting will enhance engagement.
Read with them at a set time every night. This could be before bed, before dinner, after dinner, or after school.
Make books visible and accessible to your child. Display them in places where they spend time, like on a bookshelf in the living room, a basket near their reading nook, or even in a convenient spot by their bed. When books are within easy reach, it encourages spontaneous reading and helps build a natural habit of exploring new stories.
Try audiobooks alongside reading print books to build listening comprehension.
Talk about what they are reading! Have a set of questions to ask to check for reading comprehension.
Speaking of talking about what they are reading....
Talking about what they are reading helps kids process and connect to what they are reading. Having a set of open-ended questions to ask during and after reading will build comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Make sure you are not quizzing them, instead you are just having a chat about the story and how it may connect to real life.
Questions you may ask:
Before Reading
Look at the cover of the book. What do you think this book will be about?
What do you notice about the title? Does it give you any clues?
What kind of book do you think this will be (adventure, mystery, fantasy, etc.)? Why?
What do you already know about this topic?
Do you think the story will be happy or sad? Why?
What do you think will happen based on the pictures or illustrations on the cover?
What are some words you think might show up in this story?
Who do you think the main character might be?
Do you think the story will take place in the past, present, or future? Why?
What is your first impression of the book from the title and cover art?
During Reading
What just happened in the story?
How do you think the character feels right now?
What do you think will happen next?
Does this remind you of anything in your life?
What’s the most important thing that’s happening in the story right now?
Why do you think the character made that choice?
How would you feel if you were in the character’s shoes?
What do you think the character wants or needs?
What’s the problem in the story, and how is the character dealing with it?
Have you learned anything new about the character in this part of the story?
What did you learn about the setting or environment so far?
What’s your favorite part of the story so far, and why?
Are there any clues in the story that help you predict what will happen next?
Do you think the author is trying to tell us something important with this part of the story?
How does the author describe the character? Do you think it helps you understand them better?
After Reading
What do you think the story was trying to teach us?
Which character do you think is more like you and why?
How would you explain the story to a friend who hasn’t read it?
How did the ending make you feel?
Would you recommend this book to someone else? Why or why not?
What did you like most about the book?
What did you not like about the book?
What do you think would happen if the story continued?
How would the story change if it was told from another character’s point of view?
What was the most exciting or surprising part of the book?
Did the book make you think about something in a new way?
What was the most important lesson the characters learned?
How does this book compare to others you’ve read?
What would you have done differently if you were the character?
What do you think the author wants readers to take away from this story?
Supporting Vocabulary
Supporting vocabulary growth is another key part to reading comprehension. If a child does not know what a word that they are reading means, they won't be able to understand the sentence or the bigger message.
Here are some ways to build vocabulary at home:
Pick a "word of the day" and try to see how many times you can use it together.
Make a point to pause during reading to explore a tricky word together. Encourage research if the child is old enough.
Create a word wall and add new words to it every week.
Use a picture dictionary that the child can access when coming across difficult words.
Have them explore the picture dictionary for fun and pick out words that are cool, interesting or catch their eye.
Bring The Story To Life
Visualisation, helps bring the story to life and can deepen understanding, esppcially for visual learners. They benefit from seeing the story and creating creating vivid mental images, connecting scenes, characters, and settings to enhance comprehension and retention.
Here are things you can do to help your child with visualization:
Pause after a page or after reading is done and ask your child to draw a scene from the story.
Ask them what they see in their mind when they hear or read a certain part of the story.
Ask them to describe characters.
Ask them to draw the characters.
Use props to act out some scenes from the story.
Fun and Engaging is Key
For some children, reading can feel like work and isn't on their list of favourite activities. Comprehension grows best when something feels fun and meaningful and when children are able to make connections when reading.
Here are some ways to help children stay engaged and make connections with their reading:
Read about their favourite interests
Try reading apps that include games and comprehension questions.
Let them read to a sibling or stuffed animal.
Use readers theatre scripts
Read a book and then watch a movie with a similar message as the book.
Relate the story to their own life - encourage them to connect to the events, characters and emotions.
Use visuals
Read together
Introduce Audiobooks or read-alouds - Take a look at these fantastic celebrity read aloud sessions on Storyline Online
Ask creative questions
Bring art into reading
Incorporate technology
Whether it’s reading with pictures, listening to audiobooks, using visual supports, or taking breaks to talk things through, there are many ways to support comprehension that work with your child’s learning style.
Everyone can grow as a reader—one page at a time.
Take a look at your reading comprehension themed bookmarks with questions to spear thinking while reading!
Check out another similar blog on supporting young writers HERE!
Unsure of what support you may need?
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IMPORTANT: Information shared by WonderTree is not intended to replace or be constituted as clinical or medical care. It’s intended for educational purposes only. Each child is unique, and the information provided may not be applicable to your specific situation. If you need support, please establish care with a licensed provider so that they can provide tailored recommendations for you or your child. This blog is non-monetized.
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