--- title: 6 essential skills for reading comprehension description: Kids need to master skills like decoding to read fluently and understand what they read. Learn more about these key skills, and ways to help struggling readers build them. slug: reading-comprehension-essential-skills author: Lily Jones, MA reviewer: Margie Gillis, EdD published: '2019-08-05T15:45:27.467Z' date_modified: '2026-05-13T00:00:00.000Z' thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/F502FBFD7AE040339FBE30C9A1F1A847/0d96799862bad3e73c10784fe65b2db0/G1346011308.png source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/reading-comprehension-essential-skills lang: en --- # 6 essential skills for reading comprehension ## Quick take - Reading comprehension means reading words and understanding them. It’s not just decoding or sounding out words.  - Six skills support reading comprehension: decoding, fluency, vocabulary, sentence structure, reasoning, and working memory. - Kids with ADHD or dyslexia may struggle with focus or decoding when reading, which can affect reading comprehension. Many kids can read the words on a page but struggle to understand what they’ve read. That’s because reading isn’t just about sounding out words. It’s also about comprehension.  Reading comprehension is the ability to read words and understand what they mean. It involves using many skills like decoding, vocabulary, and reasoning to make sense of a text. When one of these skills is harder for kids, understanding what they read can be harder, too. Reading comprehension is a fundamental component of the science of reading, a large body of research on how kids learn to read. [The science of reading](https://doi.org/10.1002/trtr.1993) supports the idea that reading comprehension should be taught early and at the same time as other foundational reading skills like phonics.  [Kristen Hodnett](https://www.understood.org/en/people/kristen-hodnett), clinical professor of special education at Hunter College, explains, “Reading comprehension is important because it moves beyond knowing how to read individual words (decoding) and moves to understanding what a passage says and means.” [Reading comprehension can be challenging](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/child-trouble-reading) for lots of reasons. But when you understand the skills involved — and which ones kids find challenging — you can better support emerging readers.  Here are six essential skills needed for reading comprehension, and tips on what can help kids improve them. ## 1. Decoding [Decoding](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/decoding-what-it-is-and-how-it-works) is the ability to read text by connecting sounds to letters. It’s a vital step in the reading process. Kids use this skill to sound out words they’ve heard before but haven’t seen written out. The ability to do that is the foundation for other reading skills. Decoding relies on an early language skill called phonemic awareness. (This skill is part of an even broader skill called [phonological awareness](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/phonological-awareness-what-it-is-and-how-it-works).) Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear individual sounds in words (known as phonemes). It develops as kids “play” with sounds at the syllable and word level. Understanding that sounds in words are linked to certain letters and letter patterns (“the alphabetic principle”) is key to decoding. For example, to read the word *sun*, kids must know that the letter *s* stands for the /s/ sound. Grasping the connection between a letter (or group of letters) and the sounds they stand for is an important step toward “sounding out” words. ### What can help with decoding The best way to help kids with decoding is through specific instruction and practice. Most kids have to be taught how to identify and work with sounds, and eventually link them to letters. You can also [build phonological awareness](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/9-ways-to-build-phonological-awareness-in-pre-k-and-kindergarten) at home through activities like word games and reading aloud. Hodnett recommends teaching kids “word attack” skills, such as asking a child if the word looks like another word they know. If there are words kids find challenging, pull the words off the page and write them on an index card or piece of paper. Talk about the features of the word and ask questions such as: *What letter does it begin with? What sound does that letter make? Does it look like another word you know? What rhymes with it?* **Quick tips ** - Read together and point out letters and sounds that kids know.  - Have kids tap or stretch out sounds as they read new words. - Encourage kids to write words by using what they know about letters and sounds. Don’t focus on correct spelling.  ## 2. Fluency [Reading fluency](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/why-isnt-my-child-reading-fast-enough) is the ability to decode words accurately, at an appropriate speed, and with phrasing and expression. It’s essential for good reading comprehension. When we read fluently, our attention is available to understand the meaning of text.  When kids can read words automatically without making errors, they are “fluent” readers. Fluent readers read smoothly at a good pace. They group words together to help with meaning, and they use the proper tone in their voice when reading aloud.  Sounding out or decoding every word can take a lot of effort. To read fluently, kids need to instantly recognize words. This is especially important for irregular words like *of *and *the *(words where letters don’t match the sounds).  ### What can help with fluency Word recognition is the ability to recognize whole words instantly by sight, without sounding them out. This can be a challenge for struggling readers. Research shows that [most readers need about six exposures to a word](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11881-020-00198-7) to commit it to long-term memory. Struggling readers need even more exposure to new words before they become “[sight words](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-are-sight-words).” The main way to [help build fluency](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/improve-reading-fluency-children) is through practice reading books. Let kids select books that they’re interested in reading. If they misread one or two words per sentence, the book is probably too difficult for them to read on their own. But you can read it with them by selecting words that they can read independently.  Books that are part of a series are great because kids become familiar with the characters’ names and the vocabulary. Hodnett recommends reading plays or stories with different characters. Ask each person to practice their part with expression as they build fluency. **Quick tips** - Practice reading out loud with expression. - Take turns reading to model smooth reading. - Re-read the same books to build confidence. ## 3. Vocabulary Vocabulary is the set of words you know and understand. Readers need to understand most of the words in the text to understand what they read. That’s why having a [strong vocabulary is a key component of reading comprehension.](https://doi.org/10.1002/rrq.411)  Kids often learn the meaning of words through everyday experiences and by reading. But explicit vocabulary instruction helps make words stick.  ### What can help with vocabulary The more words kids are exposed to, the richer their vocabulary becomes. Families can help [build their child’s vocabulary](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/7-ways-to-improve-vocabulary) by having frequent conversations on a variety of topics. Telling jokes and playing word games are also ways to build this skill. Reading together every day helps improve vocabulary. When reading aloud, [stop at new words and define them.](https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1043526) But also encourage kids to read alone. Even without hearing a definition of a new word, kids can use context to help figure it out.  At school, teachers can choose interesting words to teach and then give [explicit vocabulary instruction](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-teach-vocabulary-words). (This is instruction that’s specialized and direct.) They can talk with students about words that have different origins and multiple meanings. They can teach idioms (like “piece of cake”) and ask students to show their meanings through drawings. And they can make learning vocabulary fun by playing word games in class. **Quick tips** - Talk with kids often and use a wide range of vocabulary.  - Explain new words when they come up during reading.  - Encourage kids to read independently every day. - Have kids keep a journal of newly learned words with illustrations of the meanings.  ## 4. Sentence structure, cohesion, and coherence Sentence structure is how sentences are built. To write sentences that make sense, kids need to know the parts of a sentence. For example, every sentence has to have a *who *or a *what *(the subject or noun) and a *did what* (the predicate or verb). They also have to learn how ideas are connected within and between sentences. This is called text cohesion.  Knowing how ideas link up at the sentence level helps kids get meaning from paragraphs, passages, and entire texts. Kids also use their language and background knowledge to help them make meaning of what they read. This is called coherence. ### What can help with understanding sentence structure, cohesion, and coherence Explicit instruction can teach kids the basics of sentence structure and how words in sentences connect ideas. For example, you can talk with kids about connecting two ideas through both writing and reading.  When reading, point out sentences that connect multiple thoughts. Talk through how the author put the thoughts together and the impact of their words. Model fluent reading and discuss how sentences flow (or don’t flow) together.  **Quick tips** - Read aloud and talk about long sentences. Ask *who* or *what* did *what*. Check that kids can name the two essential parts of a sentence. - Point out words that connect ideas, like *and*, *but*,* first*,* *and *next.* - Model how to combine short, simple sentences into one compound or complex sentence with connecting words.  ## 5. Reasoning and background knowledge To comprehend text, readers must relate what they’ve read to what they know. So kids need to have [background or prior knowledge about the world](https://doi.org/10.1080/02702711.2021.1888348) when they read. They also need to be able to make sense and reason about what they read. Reasoning involves “reading between the lines” and pulling out meaning even when it’s not literally spelled out. Take this example: A child is reading a story about a girl who loves to play soccer. Understanding soccer’s rules and gameplay can provide insight into what’s happening in the story. The child can use that background knowledge to make inferences and draw conclusions.  ### What can help with reasoning and background knowledge Kids can build knowledge through reading, conversations, movies and TV shows, and art. Life experience and hands-on activities also build knowledge. Expose kids to as much as possible, and talk about what you’ve learned from experiences you’ve had together and separately. Help kids make connections between new knowledge and existing knowledge. And ask open-ended questions that require thinking and explanations. Make sure kids read narrative texts, or texts that tell stories (either fiction or nonfiction). When kids are exposed to diverse narratives, they gain new perspectives that can be applied to future readings. **Quick tips** - Ask “why” and “how” questions while reading.  - Connect stories to real-life experiences.  - Talk about a variety of topics, including science, social studies, and the arts.  ## 6. Working memory and self-monitoring Working memory and self-monitoring are both part of a group of abilities known as [executive function](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/types-of-executive-function-skills).  [Working memory](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/working-memory-what-it-is-and-how-it-works) is the brain’s ability to hold and use information while doing a task. When kids read, attention allows them to take in information from the text. Working memory allows them to hold on to that information and use it to gain meaning and build knowledge from what they’re reading. The ability to [self-monitor](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/4-ways-kids-use-self-monitoring-to-learn) while reading is also important for comprehension. Kids need to be able to recognize when they don’t understand something. Then they need to stop, go back, and re-read to clear up any confusion they may have. ### What can help with working memory and self-monitoring There are many ways kids can improve their working memory. Skillbuilders don’t have to feel like work, either. There are games and everyday activities that can help build working memory without kids even knowing it. Encourage kids to stop and re-read when something isn’t clear. And demonstrate how you “think aloud” when you read to make sure what you’re reading makes sense. **Quick tips** - Choose books that match kids’ interests.  - Use bookmarks or sticky notes to track important ideas. - Ask kids to pause and retell what they read.  ## Reading comprehension, ADHD, and dyslexia Kids can struggle with reading comprehension for many reasons. ADHD and dyslexia are two learning and thinking differences that can impact comprehension. See what it’s like to have ADHD and dyslexia with [Through My Eyes](https://www.understood.org/en/through-my-eyes).  ### ADHD [ADHD](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-adhd) (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a common condition that makes it hard to focus, keep still, and think before acting. Kids with ADHD struggle with executive functioning skills such as attention and working memory. Because kids with ADHD can struggle to focus, they can [miss out on important details when they read.](https://doi.org/10.1177/10870547211068047) That affects their comprehension.  To help kids with ADHD develop [reading comprehension skills](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-learn-to-read), reduce distractions and provide brain breaks. It can also help to give students with ADHD opportunities to engage their senses, like moving their bodies while reading. ### Dyslexia [Dyslexia](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-dyslexia) is a common learning disorder that makes it hard to work with letters and sounds. This leads to difficulties with decoding, spelling, and reading fluency.  Kids with dyslexia use so much energy trying to decode words that it can be hard for them to fully understand the *meaning *of what they read. Most kids with dyslexia benefit from [structured literacy](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-do-you-teach-a-child-with-dyslexia-to-read). This is an approach that’s systematic, explicit, and diagnostic.  Struggling with comprehension is not related to intelligence. With support, kids with learning and thinking differences can learn strategies that help them to understand what they read. --- ## Frequently asked questions ### Why can my child read words but not understand what they read? Reading involves more than sounding out words. A child can read words accurately but still struggle with reading comprehension. Reading comprehension is rooted in understanding language. So if kids have trouble with any of the skills needed for language comprehension, like vocabulary, background knowledge, reasoning, attention, or working memory, it can affect understanding. ### How can I help my child improve their reading comprehension skills? One of the best ways to [improve reading comprehension](https://doi.org/10.1002/trtr.1993) is to read with kids often. If kids struggle with sounding out words or reading fluently, take turns reading. This helps to model fluency and helps kids focus on understanding the text.  As you read together, make sure to discuss what you’ve read. Encourage your child to make predictions and to ask and answer questions. Focus on vocabulary by asking about words. And prompt your child to give short summaries of what they read. ### What’s the best way to teach reading comprehension? The best way to teach reading comprehension is to build several skills at once, not just one. Kids need many chances to work with texts in meaningful ways. Science-based reading instruction brings together skills like predicting, asking questions, clarifying, and summarizing. These skills help kids understand what they read before, during, and after reading. --- ## Explore related topics and articles - [What is phonological awareness?](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/phonological-awareness-what-it-is-and-how-it-works) - [What is decoding?](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/decoding-what-it-is-and-how-it-works) - [What is structured literacy?](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-structured-literacy) --- ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/reading-comprehension-essential-skills#webpage","url":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/reading-comprehension-essential-skills","description":"Kids need to master skills like decoding to read fluently and understand what they read. Learn more about these key skills, and ways to help struggling readers build them."},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/reading-comprehension-essential-skills","name":"6 essential skills for reading comprehension"}}]},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Article","datePublished":"2019-08-05T15:45:27.467Z","dateModified":"2026-05-13T00:00:00.000Z","description":"Many kids can read words but struggle to understand what they mean. Learn the 6 essential reading comprehension skills — and what to do if your child is having trouble.","headline":"6 essential skills for reading comprehension — and how to help","url":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/reading-comprehension-essential-skills","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.understood.org/#organization","name":"Understood for All Inc","logo":"https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/307jFAYQevghG8nQMCjh89/ccdbbec895765824db43f6d30b496e83/logo_lockup_navy.jpg"}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Why can my child read words but not understand what they read? ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Reading involves more than sounding out words. A child can read words accurately but still struggle with reading comprehension. Reading comprehension is rooted in understanding language. So if kids have trouble with any of the skills needed for language comprehension, like vocabulary, background knowledge, reasoning, attention, or working memory, it can affect understanding. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How can I help my child improve their reading comprehension skills? ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"One of the best ways to improve reading comprehension is to read with kids often. If kids struggle with sounding out words or reading fluently, take turns reading. This helps to model fluency and helps kids focus on understanding the text.  As you read together, make sure to discuss what you’ve read. Encourage your child to make predictions and to ask and answer questions. Focus on vocabulary by asking about words. And prompt your child to give short summaries of what they read. \n"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What’s the best way to teach reading comprehension?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The best way to teach reading comprehension is to build several skills at once, not just one. Kids need many chances to work with texts in meaningful ways. Science-based reading instruction brings together skills like predicting, asking questions, clarifying, and summarizing. These skills help kids understand what they read before, during, and after reading. "}}]}] ```