Reading comprehension games help a child progress from simple deciphering of print to understanding what he has read. Games can help make this skill more fun to learn.
Paper Games
Jot it. Index cards are appealing to children. A small plastic file box and a couple of packages of lined cards can be used to make a small game. Ask you child to read a small section of a book and then stop to jot down notes on what he just read. For example, take a picture book, like A Whistle for Willie by Ezra Keats. On the first card your child might write "Willie can't whistle," or "Willie has a puppy dog." As he reads have him jot down what he learns. He is essentially learning to take notes, but he is also learning to understand how words go together to form concepts.
Board games with instructions to players on cards build reading comprehension also.
Questions is a simple game that teaches the child to make up questions about his favorite books for parents to answer. This game will teach him to identify details that a reader should pick up while reading. After he reads a book or article, make up some questions for him to answer. Then it will be your turn. You read aloud and let him make up some questions.
Learning Software
Software that promises to improve comprehension can be purchased wherever educational products are sold. Look for software at a level just over your child's head to challenge him. Make sure it is one that attempts to teach comprehension rather than basic reading skills like phonics.
Software is available over the internet to help children improve their skills. Use the words "reading comprehension software" to find many types of software listed on search engines.
Some schools and libraries can also provide software that is appropriate for the grade level of the child for little or no cost.
Building comprehension can be best accomplished by increased reading. The more a child reads, and the more he shares or repeats what he reads, the better he will get at understanding what he reads.
 | For a win-win situation in your home, treat your children to a liberal dose of information every time you spot an opportunity and turn everyday activities into fun educational games. |
 | From jumping like a kangaroo to serving juice at a pretend restaurant, using action figures to delivering mail to Mom, a regular part of childhood is pretend play. |
| Learning toys are those which stimulate creativity, motor skills, coordination, problem solving, social skills and reading readiness. Make good choices and you'll watch your child blossom. |
Just about everyone remembers the old "Mr. Potatohead" set where you used a real potato and then dressed it up like a person, with accessories included in the kit. Kids had so much fun with the set that millions were sold. |
The rules have changed since I entered kindergarten over 25 years ago. Kids today are expected to know much more when starting school. The things I learned in kindergarten and even first grade are now required knowledge before setting foot in a classroom. As a parent I wonder if I'm doing enough to prepare my daughter for school. |
