Are you looking for hacks to help kids acquire word comprehension skills? If so, keep reading.
1. Make sure the student is reading content on their capacity and ability level.
2. Develop classroom games (e.g., Jeopardy®, Pictionary®, etc.) to review vocabulary words periodically.
3. Make sure the student learns dictionary skills to autonomously find meanings of words.
4. Make sure the student learns the meaning of all frequently used prefixes and suffixes.
5. Praise the student for looking up the definitions of words they do not understand.
6. Create a list of main points from the student’s reading content, written on the student’s reading level.
7. Alter or adjust reading content to the student’s capacity and ability level.
8. Get the student to list new or complicated words in categories such as people, food, animals, etc.
9. Get the student to teach new vocabulary to their peers (e.g., require the student to be creative by showing, acting out, drawing, or making an example of the word).
10. Get the student to match objects or images with sounds pronounced by that object (e.g., telephone ring, vacuum cleaner, etc.).
11. Establish a system of reinforcers either concrete (e.g., extra computer time, helper for the day, etc.) or informal (e.g., smile, handshake, praise, etc.) to urge the student to be more successful in reading.
12. Develop a written list of vocabulary words. Orally present a sentence with a “blank” and have the student determine what vocabulary word should be used.
13. Get the student to orally rephrase content that has just been read to assess comprehension.
14. Examine new vocabulary words periodically with the student (e.g., weekly, or bi-weekly).
15. Make it pleasant and positive for the student to ask the meanings or look up words they do not understand. Praise the student by assisting him/her, congratulating, etc.
16. Teach the student to forecast what will happen in the story based on new vocabulary words and the title page.
17. Teach the student to read for the main point in sentences, paragraphs, etc.
18. Make sure that the reading requirements of all subjects and tasks are within the capacity and ability level of the student. If they are not, adjust the reading content to the student’s capacity and ability level.
19. Get the student to record what they read to enable comprehension by replaying and listening to the content.
20. Prior to reading a selection, acquaint the student with the general content of the story to create a point of reference. Through this approach, introduce new vocabulary words.
21. Consider using AI to teach reading comprehension.
22. Consider using Alexa to teach reading skills.
23. Try using one of our many apps designed to teach literacy skills and help students with reading issues:
10 Apps That Teach Your Child to Read
7 Must-Have Apps to Make Learners Love Reading
7 Must-Have Phonics Apps and Tools
9 Reading Apps and Tools for the Elementary Classroom
The Tech Edvocate’s List of 24 Literacy Apps, Tools & Resources
