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Improve My Child’s Reading Comprehension Skills (Part 2 – Visualizing) TutorGiant.com When we refer to reading comprehension skills, we are referring to the way that a reader understands beyond the literal meaning of a story or text. A reader, who understands the message in a fairy tale, develops a new opinion from a report, gains a deeper understanding of a written opinion, or understands a character’s motivation, changes his or her thinking. We can both gain knowledge and gain insight by reading. Knowledge comes from consistent reading and can be more easily acquired. Insight, on the other hand, is something that comes from the ‘skill’ of reading. By teaching students the reading process, we are teaching them how to learn. In order for a student to improve his/her comprehension, he/she must learn how to ‘visualize when reading. Visualization is the process of reading and creating images in the mind based on words. The pictures that readers create in their minds improve their understanding. The reading strategy of visualization is particularly important for visual learners. Visual learners prefer to learn by ‘watching’. Visualizing when reading helps readers make the words on the page real and meaningful. When students create pictures in their minds, they become more involved with the text. Visualization stimulates the imagination, enhances involvement with the text, and improves mental imagery. When reading, have your child describe all sights, smells, and sounds he/she can gather from the text. Or, you can read out loud to your child. Bedtime stories are conducive to ‘visualization’ skills. One of the most effective ways to use visualization as a reading skill is to have your child draw different scenes from a story or informational text. Having your child draw a very detailed picture of his favorite part, a comic containing all the main events, or a character profile are all ways to utilize visualization and comprehension techniques. Visualization makes reading more engaging and interesting. Your child will gain more confidence and develop a greater interest in his/her readings. ©Tutorgiant.com
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