Literacy

Reading Comprehension Questions

For Parents to Ask

Without comprehension, reading is a frustrating, exercise in word calling. It is no exaggeration to say that how well students develop the ability to comprehend what they read has a profound effect on their entire lives. A major goal of reading comprehension instruction, therefore, is to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and experiences they must have if they are to become competent and enthusiastic readers.

After reading with your child each night, you can help them understand the

book more deeply by asking some comprehension questions.  Here are some questions to help facilitate discussions and understanding.

1.  Could this story be true?  Why or why not? (We refer to true stories as realistic fiction)

2.  Where is the setting of this story?

3.  Who is this story about? Can you tell me about him or her.

4.  What words would you use to describe the main character?

5.  Do you like the main character?  Why or why not?

6.  Does the main character have a problem? What is it?

7.  How is the problem solved? (What is the solution?)

8. What is the scariest, funniest, saddest, most interesting, or most 

     funny part of the story?  Read it aloud. 

9.  Do you like this story?  Why or why not?

10.  Do you know any real people who are like the characters in this story?  Who are the               people? How are they the same?  How are the different?

11.  Did anything in the story happen that has happened to you?  Tell about it.

12.   Who is telling this story?  Is there a narrator?

13.   Why do you think the author chose the title for this story?  How does it relate to the               story?

14.  Would you like to be a character from the story?  Why or why not?

15.  Would you recommend this book to a friend?  Why or why not?

Sarah Watkins

Learning Specialist - Literacy