Helping Your Child Become an Independent Learner

One of the eight essential tools for academic success is reading with understanding or comprehension.

While learning to read is a mechanical skill—cracking the code between letters and sounds—reading comprehension does not always develop at the same time.

Many children can read fluently but still struggle to understand what they’ve read. This gap impacts their ability to complete story sums, solve math problems, and study effectively for tests and exams.

Reading difficulties can have far-reaching consequences for academic performance. For some students, reading becomes frustrating and even feels pointless.

To support any child’s success, it’s important to understand the two key aspects of reading:

1. Word decoding – accurately and fluently reading words

2. Reading comprehension – understanding the meaning of a passage

Even by high school, some students haven’t fully automated the reading process. If decoding still demands significant mental effort, reading becomes tiring and frustrating, which often leads to a negative attitude toward reading. Signs of reading difficulties include:

Helping your child become a confident reader is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.

If you're concerned about reading difficulties, or want professional support to boost your child's reading with understanding, consider consulting a remedial therapist. Early action and intervention makes all the difference.

1. Implement the SQ3R Method

This method is the Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review technique which is a structured approach that promotes active engagement with texts, resulting in better understanding and retention.

2. Utilize Reciprocal Teaching

Have discussions using 4 key strategies, i.e. questioning, clarifying, summarizing and predicting. This method enhances comprehension and critical thinking skills.

3. Incorporate Graphic Organizers

Use tools like Venn diagrams, mindmaps, and story boards to help with visually organising information.

4. Activate Prior Knowledge

Connect new information with existing knowledge to help with deeper comprehension by providing context.

5. Encourage Summarization

By summarizing what they read in their own words reinforces understanding and helps identify areas that need clarification.

6. Promote Independent Reading Choices

By selecting material to read that they are interested in increases motivation and engagement leading to improved reading skills.

7. Integrate Technology

Encourage students to create blogs or vlogs discussing what they are studying or learning about.

8. Facilitate Peer Discussions

Encourage study groups where students can share information, insights and perspectives.

1. Make it active, let them move, practice papers, talk about what they are learning about,

2. Look after their mental health - exams are not the be all and end all,

3. Find apps and technology that can help eg. Khan Academy for Maths,

4. Draw up a revision schedule and stick it up somewhere where they can see it,

5. Find what works for your child - what worked for you when you were at school might not necessarily work for them.

1. Start Early – Study in small chunks over time to move information into long-term memory and identify areas needing extra help.

2. Understand the Test – Ask your teacher about the focus, format, and key concepts to ensure you’re studying the right material.

3. Create the Right Study Environment – Find a distraction-free space that suits your learning style and fuel your brain with healthy snacks.

4. Choose the Right Study Tools – Use flashcards, mnemonics, outlines, or concept maps based on the exam format and your learning style.

5. Enlist Help – Study with a teacher, tutor, or peers. Teaching others can also strengthen your understanding.

6. Simplify and Skim Main Points – Focus on key concepts, use summaries, and quiz yourself to reinforce learning.

7. Shorten Study Blocks – Take short breaks every 30 minutes to stay focused and avoid burnout.

These steps spell S.U.C.C.E.S.S., making them easier to remember!

"reading with understanding"

"helping your child become an independent learner"

"reading difficulties"

"remedial therapist"

"how to improve reading comprehension”