Are you looking for hacks to help kids acquire word comprehension skills? If so, keep reading.

1. Make sure the learner is reading content on their capacity and ability level.

2. Develop classroom games (e.g., Jeopardy®, Pictionary®, etc.) to review vocabulary words periodically.

3. Make sure the learner learns dictionary skills to autonomously find meanings of words.

4. Make sure the learner learns the meaning of all frequently used prefixes and suffixes.

5. Praise the learner for looking up the definitions of words they do not understand.

6. Create a list of main points from the learner’s reading content, written on the learner’s reading level.

7. Alter or adjust reading content to the learner’s capacity and ability level.

8. Get the learner to list new or complicated words in categories such as people, food, animals, etc.

9. Get the learner to teach new vocabulary to their peers (e.g., require the learner to be creative by showing, acting out, drawing, or making an example of the word).

10. Get the learner to match objects or images with sounds pronounced by that object (e.g., telephone ring, vacuum cleaner, etc.).

11. Establish a system of reinforcers either concrete (e.g., extra computer time, helper for the day, etc.) or informal (e.g., smile, handshake, praise, etc.) to urge the learner to be more successful in reading.

12. Develop a written list of vocabulary words. Orally present a sentence with a “blank” and have the learner determine what vocabulary word should be used.

13. Get the learner to orally rephrase content that has just been read to assess comprehension.

14. Examine new vocabulary words periodically with the learner (e.g., weekly, or bi-weekly).

15. Make it pleasant and positive for the learner to ask the meanings or look up words they do not understand. Praise the learner by assisting him/her, congratulating, etc.

16. Teach the learner to forecast what will happen in the story based on new vocabulary words and the title page.

17. Teach the learner to read for the main point in sentences, paragraphs, etc.

18. Make sure that the reading requirements of all subjects and tasks are within the capacity and ability level of the learner. If they are not, adjust the reading content to the learner’s capacity and ability level.

19. Get the learner to record what they read to enable comprehension by replaying and listening to the content.

20. Prior to reading a selection, acquaint the learner with the general content of the story to create a point of reference. Through this approach, introduce new vocabulary words.

21. Consider using AI to teach reading comprehension.

22. Consider using Alexa to teach reading skills.

23. Try using one of our many apps designed to teach literacy skills and help students with reading issues:

10 Apps That Teach Your Child to Read

7 Must-Have Apps to Make Students Love Reading

7 Must-Have Phonics Apps and Tools

9 Reading Apps and Tools for the Elementary Classroom

The Tech Edvocate’s List of 24 Literacy Apps, Tools & Resources

10 Apps to Teach Children Early Literacy Skills