Comprehension

The purpose of reading is to understand what is read. Comprehension is the ability to take meaning from text and remember and communicate the meaning from the text. Good readers are those who monitor their comprehension to make sure they understand the text.

(Klein et al, 2003)

"Being able to read complex text independently and proficiently is essential for high achievement in college and the workplace," (Common Core State Standards, 2010).

Comprehension instruction should begin as soon as students start to interact with text and should continue through high school. Students should apply strategies to increasingly complex texts across the grades.

(Honig, Diamond, & Gutlohn, 2018)

When approaching the reading task, there are three interrelated components to consider:

• the text that is to be comprehended

• the reader

• and the tasks in which comprehension is situated

These three elements are then situated in the sociocultural context that shapes and is shaped by the reader.

(Honig, Diamond, & Gutlohn, 2018)

Effective reading comprehension includes elements that give attention to the complex interrelatedness of these components. Ten well researched elements are indicated below. Please note that many of these elements are evident in other reading foundations explored on this site. As appropriate, we have linked to additional resources to support effective comprehension instruction in your classroom.