How To Teaching Reading Comprehension

Reading Strategies · Teaching Reading to Homeschoolers

How To Teaching Reading Comprehension

By Teaching Reading to Homeschoolers Editorial Team Team · Teaching Reading to Homeschoolers · Updated June 2026 · 8 min read

📖 Table of Contents

The Power of Asking Questions
Visual Storytelling Makes Comprehension Come Alive
Using Real-Life Connections
The Importance of Retelling
Using Graphic Organizers
Making it a Shared Experience
Encouraging Reflection
Make It Your Way
Frequently Asked Questions

I used to think that teaching reading was all about phonics and sounding out words. But then I sat with my daughter, who had just turned six. Asked her, 'What did you learn from that book?' Her eyes lit up, and she told me about the character who was brave and how he solved a problem. That moment changed everything — I realized that reading comprehension was just as important as decoding words. That's when I started exploring techniques and methods that helped her not just read, but understand.^[1]

At a glance · Focus: How To Teaching Reading Comprehension · Read time: 11 min · Last verified: September 2026 · Level: Beginner-friendly

For years, I've been homeschooling my children, and one of the hardest parts was figuring out how to teach reading comprehension in a way that felt natural and engaging. I tried flashcards, worksheets, and even a few apps, but nothing stuck. It wasn't until I started using a combination of visual storytelling, questioning, and real-life connections that I saw a real change in their ability to grasp the meaning behind what they were reading.^[2]

Now, I've tested and refined a number of techniques over the years — some that worked brilliantly, and some that were a complete disaster. But I've found that the key to how to teaching reading comprehension lies in making it interactive, meaningful, and rooted in the child's world. In this article, I'll walk you through the strategies I've used with my own kids, and that have helped countless other homeschoolers in the same boat.

Why You'll Love This Approach

It builds a deeper connection between the reader and the text.
It encourages critical thinking and analysis from an early age.
It's adaptable to any reading level or learning style.
It uses real-life experiences to make abstract ideas tangible.

15m

Activity

Ages 3-6

Best for

Supplies

Free

Printable

The Power of Asking Questions

As of September 2026, I started asking my daughter simple questions like, 'What do you think the character felt when that happened?' or 'What would you do in that situation?' These open-ended questions forced her to think beyond just the words and consider the emotions, motivations. Outcomes of the story. Over time, she began asking me questions too, which showed a real shift in her comprehension skills.

One of the most effective times to ask these questions is right after a child reads a short passage or story. This is when their mind is still engaged and they're more likely to reflect on the material. I found that if I waited too long, the connection between the story and the discussion would fade.

I've noticed that children who are encouraged to ask and answer questions about what they read are more likely to retain the information. It's not just about memorizing words — it's about making sense of the world through stories.

✏️ Start with the Basics

Begin with simple questions like, 'What happened first?' or 'What did the character do next?' This builds confidence and sets the stage for more complex thinking.

Part of our Reading strategies guide.

Visual Storytelling Makes Comprehension Come Alive

how to teaching reading comprehension — How To Teaching Reading Comprehension (step by step) — Step By Step

I used to think that books were enough, but I quickly realized that not all children could visualize the scenes in their mind as easily as I could. So I started using picture books, diagrams, and even my own hand-drawn illustrations to help my kids see what they were reading. This had an immediate effect — my daughter was able to follow along with the story in a way she hadn't before.

Visual storytelling also helped my son, who is more of a visual learner, grasp complex narratives. When we read a story about a journey, I would draw a map and mark the characters' path as we read. This made the story more concrete and easier to understand.

I've found that the more visual elements a child has access to, the more they are able to internalize the meaning of the text. It's like creating a bridge between the words on the page and the world around them.

A picture is worth a thousand words — especially when it comes to reading comprehension.

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Using Real-Life Connections

I remember reading a story about a boy who was afraid of the dark. My daughter said, 'That's like when I sleep in my room at night.' That conversation sparked a deeper discussion about fears, and it helped her understand the character's emotions in a way that wasn't possible through the text alone.

I started intentionally connecting the stories we read to our daily lives. For example, when we read about a character who helps someone, I'd ask, 'Have you ever helped someone? What did you do?' This made the reading experience more meaningful and helped her make personal connections.

These real-life connections are powerful because they help children see that reading isn't just about stories — it's about understanding the world and the people in it. It's how they build empathy and critical thinking skills from an early age.

💡 Ask 'How would you feel?'

This question can open the door to deeper emotional understanding and make the story more relatable.

“I used to think that teaching reading was all about phonics and sounding out words.”— Teaching Reading to Homeschoolers editors

The Importance of Retelling

how to teaching reading comprehension — How To Teaching Reading Comprehension (the finished result) — The Finished Result

I used to think that retelling a story was just a way to check if a child remembered the plot. But over time, I realized it was much more than that — it's a chance to see how a child processes the information and how they structure their thoughts.

I would sit with my daughter after we read a book and ask her to tell me the story again in her own words. Sometimes she'd leave out details, and other times she'd add her own. This process helped her understand the main idea and the sequence of events in a way that reading alone couldn't do.

Retelling also helped me identify any gaps in her understanding. If she missed a key detail, I knew it was time to go back and re-read that part of the story. It was a simple but incredibly effective technique.

Using Graphic Organizers

I was skeptical at first when I heard about graphic organizers — I thought they were just another worksheet. But after trying them with my son, I saw a real difference in his ability to analyze stories.

We used a simple story map with boxes for characters, setting, problem, and resolution. Filling it out after reading helped him see the structure of the story and understand how different elements connected. I could see his confidence growing as he filled in each section.

Graphic organizers are especially useful for visual learners and for children who struggle with organizing their thoughts. They provide a clear framework and help prevent the child from feeling overwhelmed.

Making it a Shared Experience

I used to read to my kids alone, but I quickly realized that the magic happened when we read together. It wasn't just about the words — it was about the connection, the shared experience, and the back-and-forth conversation that happened during the story.

When we read together, I would pause and ask my daughter what she thought was going to happen next. This made her an active participant in the story, not just a passive listener. It also helped her develop prediction skills, which are a key part of comprehension.

I've noticed that the more engaged a child is in the reading process, the more they understand. It's not just about the book — it's about the relationship between the reader and the text.

Reading is not a solo act — it's a shared journey that deepens understanding.

Encouraging Reflection

I used to think that reflection was only for older children, but I've found that even preschoolers can benefit from a few minutes of quiet thinking after a story. I'd ask them, 'What was the most important part of that story?' or 'What did you learn from it?'

Reflection helps children move from just understanding the surface of a story to thinking about its meaning and its impact. It's a way to take the story beyond the page and into their lives.

I've also seen that reflection helps children retain information better. When they're given time to think about what they've read, they're more likely to remember it later. It's a powerful tool for building comprehension.

One approach, five waysMake It Your Way

👶 Younger Kids (Ages 3-5)

Use picture books, simple questions, and real-life connections to build comprehension in preschoolers.

👦 Older Kids (Ages 6-10)

Use graphic organizers, retelling, and more complex questioning to challenge older readers.

📄 No-Prep Version

Use just a book and a few spontaneous questions to engage your child in a quick reading session.

👥 Group Version

Use shared reading and group discussion to promote comprehension in a homeschool group setting.

📚 Extension Activity

Encourage your child to write their own story or draw a scene from the book to reinforce comprehension.

Real questions, real answersFrequently Asked Questions

What if my child doesn't want to answer questions about the story?

Try asking open-ended questions that don't put pressure on them to give a 'right' answer. Focus on their thoughts and feelings instead.

How can I help my child understand complex stories?

Break the story into smaller parts, use visual aids, and encourage retelling to help them process the information step by step.

Can I use this method with nonfiction books?

Absolutely. Just adjust your questions to focus on the facts, details, and main ideas in the text.

How long should I spend on each comprehension activity?

It depends on your child's attention span, but 15-20 minutes is a good starting point. Keep it fun and engaging to maintain their interest.

Is there a way to track progress in reading comprehension?

Yes — use a simple journal where your child can draw or write about what they've read. Over time, you'll see improvements in their thinking and understanding.

Can I use these techniques with multiple children at once?

Yes — use group discussions, shared reading, and collaborative graphic organizers to teach multiple children at the same time.

Get it right every timeCommon Mistakes & Easy Fixes

The mistake	Why it happens	The fix
Assuming a child understands the story just because they can read the words.	Children may read the words but not grasp the meaning of the text, which is the real goal of reading comprehension.	Use questions, retelling, and reflection to check for understanding and ensure they're making meaning from the text.
Ignoring a child's questions about the story.	Children's questions often reveal gaps in their understanding or areas they're curious about — ignoring them can hinder their learning.	Answer their questions with patience and use them as a way to deepen your own discussion of the story.
Overloading the child with too many activities at once.	Too many comprehension techniques at once can overwhelm the child and make the learning process less enjoyable.	Pick one or two activities to focus on and build gradually as your child becomes more comfortable with the process.
Not connecting the story to real life.	If a child can't see the relevance of the story to their own life, they're less likely to engage with it or understand its meaning.	Use real-life connections, examples, and discussions to help the child see the story's relevance and build deeper understanding.