Check for Understanding

We have been practicing a lot with the reading strategy Check for Understanding. The strategy requires students to check what they have read frequently throughout the story. Often times when students read they do not realize they're' not remembering the story. Then they get to the end and can't remember what it was about! Often times, students are too concerned about saying all the words accurately that they forgot to take the time to think about what they're reading. Check for Understanding allows students to stop frequently and to ask 2 important questions: Who? and What?

How can you help your child with this strategy at home?
1. When reading to your child, stop periodically and say, “Let’s see if we remember what I just read. Think about who the story was about and what happened.” Do this 3 or 4 times throughout the story.

2. When reading to your child, stop and have them practice checking for understanding by saying, “I heard you say…”

3. Ask your child the following questions:
• Who did you just read about?
• What just happened?
• Was your brain talking to you while you read?
• Do you understand what was read?
• What do you do if you don’t remember?

Thank you for your continued support at home!