Reading is one of those skills we assume will simply click with a child at some point. One day, they’re sounding out “cat” and “dog,” and the next, you’re imagining them devouring classic novels under a cozy blanket, enjoying a love of reading. 

But, perhaps your child’s teacher has mentioned concerns about reading comprehension, or you’ve observed that your child would rather do anything else than pick up a book. Reading homework might be a daily tug-of-war, and you’re at a loss for what to do.  

A child might shy away from or struggle with reading for several reasons, but reading comprehension difficulties are one significant reason literacy tasks may be challenging.

Reading comprehension—the ability to understand, analyze, and remember what’s read—is a crucial skill that doesn’t always develop automatically. If you suspect your child might be struggling, read on to learn some tell-tale signs of comprehension challenges and what you can do to help your child.  

Here Are 5 Signs That Might Indicate Reading Comprehension Struggles and How You Can Help Your Child Become a Stronger Reader.

1. They “Read” But Can’t Tell You What Happened

You ask, “What was that story about?” and get a vague response like, “Uh…there was a dog?”
Or worse, your child gives you a shoulder shrug and a blank stare.

If your child reads words but can’t retell key events or explain the main idea, it might mean they’re focusing so hard on decoding the words that comprehension takes a back seat. Reading fluency—general ease of reading with fluid rate, accuracy, and attention to expression—is foundational for comprehension. Fluency struggles can significantly affect reading comprehension.

What helps?
Before your child tries to tackle their reading homework, take a minute to look through the text with them. Can they point out words as they skim the print that you can identify for them ahead of reading? The fewer “speed bumps” your child encounters while reading, the more fluently they will move through the assignment. 

Additionally, so that your child doesn’t read a whole text without grasping meaning, try pausing throughout a reading assignment and asking simple questions: “What do you think will happen next?” or “What do you think are the most important ideas from what you just read?” You might even encourage your child to write a quick note of the main idea after every couple of paragraphs in the margins of a reading assignment. For a child who may be experiencing fluency challenges, breaking reading into bite-sized chunks makes processing easier.

2. They Struggle to Make Connections

Strong readers naturally connect stories to their own experiences. If a book is about a kid starting a new school, they might say, “Hey, that happened to me!” But if your child doesn’t relate what they’re reading to the world around them, comprehension might be a challenge.

What helps?
Before your child reads, ask them to look at the title or illustrations to clue them in to what the reading topic may be. While they read, encourage connections by prompting questions like, “Does this remind you of something we’ve done?” or “Have you ever felt the way this character does?” Personalizing the reading can go a long way in making it stick.

3. They Read Super Fast… Or Painfully Slowly

Both ends of the speed spectrum can signal a problem. If they race through a page like they’re trying to win a speed-reading contest, they might gloss over important details. If their reading sounds choppy, they might be so focused on getting through the sentence that comprehension suffers.

What helps?
For speed demons, model what a good reading pace sounds like, and then have them practice adjusting their own pacing. For slow readers, try echo reading—you read a sentence first, then they repeat it—to build fluency without frustration. Another good strategy for slower readers is to preview the tricky words before reading as was noted in our first point above. Let your child highlight any words that appear difficult as they skim the text and review what those words say to help their general reading ease. 

4. They Avoid Reading Like It’s a Chore

Let’s be honest. Not every kid loves reading, and that’s okayay. They may have an aptitude or preference for math or science instead. But if your child avoids books at all costs or complains that reading is boring, it might not be a preference issue—it might be a struggle issue. Kids who don’t understand what they read often don’t enjoy it. Makes sense, right? If you watched a movie without subtitles in a language you don’t speak, you’d probably get bored, too.

What helps?
Find books that align with their interests—even comic books, graphic novels, or joke books are fine! The goal is engagement first; comprehension will follow. A child with reading challenges might only associate reading with must-do assignments rather than view literacy as a pathway for enjoyment on their own terms. 

5. They Misinterpret What They Read

You know that game where someone whispers a sentence, and by the time it reaches the last person, it’s hilariously incorrect? That’s what reading can feel like for a child struggling with comprehension. They might interpret “The storm passed over the town” as “The storm destroyed the town,” and hence, draw incorrect conclusions.

What helps?
Before reading, discuss any problematic vocabulary or unfamiliar concepts. After reading, ask your child to act out the story, draw a picture, or explain it in their own words. Sometimes, a different way of expressing understanding makes all the difference.

Best in Class Education Center Can Help Your Child Develop Their Reading Comprehension.

If your child shows multiple signs of reading comprehension struggles, a little extra support can go a long way. At Best in Class Education Center, we help students build success strategies for understanding what they read. Our proven curriculum supports vocabulary enrichment, concept development, and the decoding skills necessary to open doors, spark imagination, and build reading confidence.

Contact us today if you’d like to explore how we can help your child develop stronger comprehension skills!