reading support

Reading Comprehension

Every teacher at Dromana College uses a literacy framework to build student’s comprehension across every subject. The strategies below are what we use to assist students comprehend what they read in the classroom. They are great for applying to homework from year 7 to VCE, especially when reading or research is involved.

When helping with reading or homework, if your child asks for help understanding a text, suggest they try a reading strategy from the list. Help them to use the strategies, rather than doing the work for them.

Once your child thinks they have understood the book or text, ask them ‘What makes you say that?’ or ‘Can you show me where the book tells you that?’ or ‘How did you work it out?’. You can check their understanding and have them explain their thinking. This will help re-enforce what they have just learnt.

By asking your child to use the strategies opposite, rather than reading for them or explaining to them, they will be more likely to become independent with their learning have a growth mindset.

Reading Engagement

There are two main reasons to read. For pleasure and for purpose. Depending on your child, they may only be interested in one or the other.

Reading for pleasure

Your child may or may not be a regular reader, or they might go through a ‘reading rut’. As children move through adolescence, their reading habits can change. Below are some strategies to engage your child in reading.

Often once people can enjoy reading, they are more likely to engage in reading for other tasks such as homework

Reading for purpose

Many children, and adults, only read for a purpose (like reading a user manual) or for work. Some children do not like any kind of reading, but they will have to read to succeed. Here are some of the reading materials your child may encounter over the next few years.

If your child struggles with understanding new information, use the reading strategies to help them process new information.

Reading Conversations

Here are some ideas of things to ask your child about what they have read or learned.

If your child has an interest, encourage them to read about it and talk to them about it.

Reading Conversations

Building background knowledge and vocabulary are important for your child’s literacy. By interacting with them you can help extend their learning.

Some General Tips

Set an example. Let your child see you reading for everyday reasons, pleasure, work, or study. For literacy, modelling behaviour at home is the most powerful influence on your child.
Have a variety of reading material. Leave books, magazines, and newspapers around. Check to see what disappears for a clue to what interests your child.
Give your child an opportunity to choose their own reading material.
Build on your child’s interests. Look for books and articles that feature their favourite sports teams, rock stars, hobbies, or TV shows.
Let them read anything. Almost anything helps build reading skills, including boat/car licence manuals, comics, research for purchasing an item and recipes.
Read some books written for young adults. Young adult novels can give you valuable insights into the concerns and pressures felt by teenagers. You may find that these books provide a neutral ground on which to talk about sensitive subjects.
Make reading aloud a natural part of family life. Share an article you read, a sports report, a letter, or a funny tweet — without turning it into a lesson.
Keep the big picture in mind. For all sorts of reasons, some teenagers go through periods without showing much interest in reading. Do not panic! If they are reluctant, ensure they are reading for their homework at the bare minimum and give your strategies time to work.