What Order Should I Teach Reading Comprehension Strategies

I used to think that teaching reading comprehension strategies was like handing kids a map without a compass — they had the tools, but no direction. That changed when I started homeschooling my daughter, and I realized that the order in which I taught these strategies made all the difference. If I taught prediction too early, she’d guess wrong and lose confidence. If I waited too long to teach inference, she’d miss the deeper meaning of stories. I learned the hard way that the order in which you teach reading comprehension strategies isn’t just a matter of preference — it’s a science.^[1]

One day, as we were reading a picture book, I noticed her eyes light up when I introduced the ‘finding the main idea’ strategy after teaching ‘making connections.’ It clicked with her. Suddenly, the story felt alive. That moment taught me that the order in which you teach reading comprehension strategies can transform how kids engage with texts. It’s not just about the strategies themselves — it’s about when and how you introduce them.^[2]

Since then, I’ve tested dozens of approaches, and I’ve found a rhythm that works for most kids. I’ve seen how the right sequence builds confidence, sharpens thinking, and makes reading feel less like a chore and more like an adventure. If you're asking yourself, 'What order should I teach reading comprehension strategies?' you're not alone — and I’m here to help you build a roadmap that makes a real difference.

Start with the Basics: Finding the Main Idea

As of September 2026, I always begin with finding the main idea because it’s the first step in understanding any text. I remember when my daughter would read a page and then say, 'I don’t know what this is about.' That’s when I realized she needed a way to filter out the details and find the big picture. Once I taught her to look for the ‘who, what, and why’ of the text, her comprehension improved instantly.^[3]

This strategy is especially effective for younger learners because it gives them a clear objective. When we read together, I’d ask her, 'What do you think this story is mostly about?' and she’d start to see patterns in the text. It wasn’t long before she could do this on her own.

I’ve used this strategy with my son, who was struggling in school, and it made a noticeable difference in how he approached reading. He was no longer overwhelmed by long paragraphs; he could identify the main point and focus on what mattered.

Next, Teach Making Connections

After finding the main idea, I move on to making connections. This is when I ask my daughter, 'How is this like something you’ve read before?' or 'How does this remind you of your life?' It helps her see the relevance of the story and think critically about its meaning.

This strategy is especially powerful because it bridges the gap between the text and the reader’s world. It also encourages empathy and creativity. I remember reading a book about a girl who was afraid of the dark, and my daughter made a connection to her own fears. That conversation opened a window into her emotions and helped her understand the character better.

One of the most rewarding moments was when my son started making his own connections without prompting. He would say, 'This reminds me of that time we went camping,' and then analyze the story through that lens. It showed me that once you teach the strategy, kids can apply it on their own.

Connections turn stories into mirrors and windows.

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Then Introduce Predicting Outcomes

Predicting is a great next step after making connections because it builds anticipation and helps students think like authors. I always ask, 'What do you think happens next?' or 'Why do you think the character did that?' This strategy helps kids stay involved and look for clues in the text.

I used to be surprised by how quickly my daughter could make predictions. She would guess the outcome of a story based on the character’s actions and then check her guess as we read. It became a game — and an effective learning tool.

I’ve noticed that when kids predict, they’re more likely to remember what they read. It keeps their brain active and makes reading feel like a puzzle they’re solving, piece by piece.

“I used to think that teaching reading comprehension strategies was like handing kids a map without a compass — they had the tools, but no…”— Teaching Reading to Homeschoolers editors

After That, Teach Inference

Once students are comfortable with prediction, I move to inference. This is when they learn to read between the lines. I ask questions like, 'Why do you think the character felt that way?' or 'What does this detail tell you about the setting?' This strategy is essential for deeper comprehension.

I remember when my daughter struggled with a book that didn’t explain everything. She would stop and say, 'I don’t get this part.' Once we started practicing inference, she began making educated guesses based on the clues in the text. It was amazing to see her think critically and come up with her own conclusions.

Inference is a skill that takes time to develop, but it’s worth the effort. It helps students become more independent readers and thinkers. I’ve seen it transform how kids approach complex texts and understand subtle nuances in stories.

Next, Focus on Summarizing

After inference, summarizing is the next key strategy. It helps students consolidate what they’ve learned and express it in their own words. I always ask my daughter, 'What was the most important part of this story?' or 'Can you tell me what happened in your own words?'

This strategy is especially useful for older students, but I’ve found that even younger kids can benefit. I use a simple technique where we draw a box on the page and write the summary inside. It helps them focus on the key points and ignore the extra details.

One of the best outcomes I saw was when my son started summarizing his own books. He’d go back and write a short summary after reading, which helped him retain the information and prepare for discussions.

Then Teach Questioning Techniques

Questioning is an essential strategy that helps students take ownership of their reading. I encourage my daughter to ask, 'Why did the character do that?' or 'What would you do if you were in this situation?' This keeps her thinking and involved.

I’ve seen how questioning transforms the way kids interact with books. They stop being passive readers and become active participants. I remember reading a book about a character who made a mistake, and my daughter asked, 'What if the character had done something else?' That led to a great discussion about choices and consequences.

This strategy is a powerful tool for critical thinking. When kids learn to ask their own questions, they become more curious and analytical readers.

A question is the beginning of understanding.

Finally, Introduce Comparing and Contrasting

The last strategy I teach is comparing and contrasting. This helps students look at two texts or characters and see how they’re alike and different. I use a simple Venn diagram and ask, 'What are the similarities and differences between these two stories?'

This strategy is especially useful for older students, but I’ve found that even younger kids can grasp it with the right guidance. I remember when my daughter compared two books about friendship and noticed that both had characters who made mistakes but were forgiven. It was a great way to explore themes.

Comparing and contrasting helps students think more deeply about the texts they read. It also helps them see the world in new ways and understand how different perspectives shape our understanding of stories.

What Order Should I Teach Reading Comprehension Strategies