Talking About Books With Your Child
When you read a book to your child, their ability to talk about it and understand it is called listening comprehension. Listening comprehension lays the foundation for important language skills and vocabulary that help with later reading comprehension. If your child reads a book to you, their ability to talk about the book and understand it is called reading comprehension. The purpose of reading is understanding. So, how do you know if your child understood a story? Read on to find some questions for fictional text that can help you gauge their understanding.
For early elementary students (typically ages 5-8), start by previewing the book with your child. Look at the picture on the cover. Ask your child to tell you (predict) what they think the story might be about. It’s important to note that questions can be asked during reading and after reading. Some questions should be simple, while others foster deeper critical thinking skills.
Literal Comprehension Prediction/Summary:
Who were the characters in the story?
Where did the story take place?
What do you think will happen next in the story? (ask at times during reading)
What happened at the beginning/middle/end of the story?
Was there a problem in the story? What was it?
How did (character) solve the problem?
Character Exploration:
Which character was your favorite? Why?
How did (character) feel when (event) happened? How do you know?
How was (character) feeling at the beginning of the story?
Did (character)’s feelings change in the story? How?
Why do you think (character) did (action)?
Personal Connections:
Did anything in the story remind you of something that has happened to you?
Which character in the story are you most like? Why?
How would you feel if you were (character)?
Did the illustrations help you understand the story better? How?
Theme and Message:
What do you think the story was about?
What lesson did (character) learn?
Talk about what the theme of the story is with your child. (ex: kindness, honesty, teamwork, bravery, sharing, compassion, accepting differences, friendship) Relate the theme to current events in your family life.
Simple Analysis:
Did you like the story? Why or why not?
What was your favorite part? Why?
Which character are you most like? Why?
If the story continued, what do you think might happen next?
These questions are designed to be open-ended and encourage young children to engage with the story, express their thoughts and feelings, and make connections to their own experiences. They help build comprehension skills, expand vocabulary, and nurture a love for reading at an early age.
For older elementary children (typically ages 9-12), you can ask more complex and thought-provoking questions that encourage deeper reflection on the book they've read. If you are reading a chapter book with your child, ask your child to retell the previous chapter before continuing reading. After reading a book or a chapter, here are some questions to consider:
Plot and Structure:
Can you summarize the main events of the story in order?
How did the author build suspense/tension in the story?
Did the story unfold the way you expected? Why or why not?
Character Analysis:
Describe the main character's personality. How did they change throughout the story?
Which character did you relate to the most? Why?
Compare and contrast two characters from the book. How are they similar/different?
Themes and Messages:
What do you think the author's message or theme was in this book?
How does this book reflect real-life issues or challenges?
Do you agree with the choices the characters made? Why or why not?
Setting and Atmosphere:
How did the setting contribute to the mood of the story?
Could the story have taken place in a different setting? How would that change the story?
Author's Craft:
What techniques did the author use to make the story interesting (e.g., flashbacks, foreshadowing)?
How did the author use language to create vivid descriptions or emotions? (show an example)
Critical Thinking and Evaluation:
Did you like this book? Why or why not?
What do you think was the most important part of the book?
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
Connections and Extensions:
Did this book remind you of any other books or movies you've experienced?
How does this book relate to events happening in the world today?
What lessons or ideas from the book can be applied to your own life?
"What do you think will happen to the characters after the story ends?"
These questions encourage deeper thinking, promote analysis of literary elements, and foster discussion about the book's themes and relevance. They help older elementary children develop critical reading skills and talk about their thoughts and opinions about what they've read.
Talking with your child and asking comprehension questions after reading is a valuable practice. It supports cognitive development, language acquisition, and emotional connection to books. It reinforces learning, encourages critical thinking, and helps instill a love for reading and learning.
Anne Philipson has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood. She has 27 years of experience as a teacher. Six of those years were in the first-grade classroom, and twenty-one were spent as a reading interventionist teaching students who experienced difficulty learning to read. As a retired educator, she enjoys writing books for young children.
