Comprehension

When a teacher uses the word comprehension it means

 'how much is understood' when reading. 

They also use this word when talking about testing. Standardized tests (the big tests) all test for comprehension. The school is just trying to make sure that kids are not just parroting words but can actually put those words to good use. That's fair, isn't it?   Don't let 'comprehension' scores scare you when you're talking about your child. You know what they mean now. These scores help you and the teacher find patterns to help your child. 

Below is an exercise to remind you what it feels like to know the words, but have no clue about the meaning. I picked this passage because it is how I (yes, the teacher!) feel every single time I attempt advanced math classes.

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Exercise

Did you ever have that repetitive feeling when you're reading? Like you keep reading the same line over and over and not understanding? That's what the teacher is trying to stop happening. They want their student to comprehend what they are reading, to be able to move forward, understand, and apply what they are reading. Knowing the words is just the first part.

Let me show you...

Do you know what the words in the table below mean? Really look at them before you scroll down.  If you don't know them, there are links to their definition.

Special	Space
Magnet	Time
Local	Relative
Motion	Gravity
Short	State

Now, read the paragraph below.

In 1905, Einstein's special theory of relativity explained the accuracy of both Maxwell's electromagnetic field and Galilean relativity by stating that the field's speed is absolute—a universal constant—whereas both space and time are local phenomena relative to the object's energy. With respect to an observer, an object in relative motion shortens along the direction of its momentum (length contraction), and its unfolding of events slows (time dilation). A passenger on the object cannot detect the change, as all measuring devices—rods and clocks as well as eyes and brains—aboard that vehicle have experienced length contraction and time dilation. Only an external observer experiencing relative rest measures the object in relative motion shortened along its travel pathway and its events slowed. Special relativity left Newton's theory—which states space and time as absolute—unable to explain gravitation.

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Explanation

That's really hard isn't it?  I'm sure you knew all those words, but when you put them in an information packed paragraph about a difficult subject, you'll be lost.  The best way to deal with this is to listen.  Yep, that's it!  Children and adults learn the most by learning in context.  That's why teachers keep telling you to read to your kids.  It's why teacher make children read out loud.  

When a child listens to words that are presented in many different ways, they learn that they have different meanings in different situations.   Even if you're not the strongest reader, it still helps.  The best thing is, it helps both of you and can help strengthen the parent child relationship.  Thinking out loud when you're reading is also helpful!  This helps children understand what is going on in your head when you read.  Isn't that great?  Even if you're confused it helps your child.  It's a win/win.

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Strategies for Home

The best thing you can do is read to your child.  If you're having trouble implementing that, let everyone do it!  Pick out a book that is fun for everyone.  It can have pictures.  It can be gross, funny, or even technical.  I, personally, would put it in the bathroom...but get everyone to read it, discuss it at dinner, watch movies as a family on the topic.  Use extended family and friends and let them know what you're doing.  They will help.  I have never, ever had anyone say they wouldn't read a book or watch a film to help a child they care about.  

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Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, n.d. Web. 08 Apr. 2015.


Vacca, R. T., Vacca, J. L., & Mraz, M. (2014). Content area reading: Literacy and learning across the curriculum (11th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.