Teach Your Child to Pass a Reading Test with Guided Reading Activities
Reading tests can be challenging, especially when it comes to reading comprehension. Comprehension is the foundation of a good reader. When a skilled reader begins to read, the brain naturally starts to think, imagine, and visualize the connections within a story. These connections form a structured framework called a story map—a key tool in understanding and analyzing a story.
Guided Reading: Story Maps
A story map organizes the key elements of a fiction or nonfiction story. This section will focus on fiction story maps. Story maps include specific categories such as:
- Characters – Who is in the story?
- Setting – Where and when does the story take place?
- Problem & Solution – What challenge does the character face, and how is it resolved?
- Plot – How does the story unfold?
Authors carefully connect these elements to tell a complete story. Readers must learn how to piece together these elements and visualize the story the author is conveying. This is why guided reading activities are essential in helping children develop strong reading comprehension skills.
Guided Reading: Problem and Solution
One of the most critical aspects of a fiction story is the problem and solution. Without a problem, the story lacks conflict, making it less engaging. A story’s problem usually arises from opposing circumstances, such as:
- Conflicting thoughts or beliefs
- Different reactions to a situation
- Unexpected challenges or misunderstandings
Teaching children to recognize these conflicts will help them succeed on reading tests.
Guided Reading: Example Question
A reading test may ask students to identify the problem in a story. Consider this example:
Sarah and Judy both have the same friend, Sally. Sally invited Sarah to her birthday party but did not invite Judy. Sarah is excited for the party, but Judy is not.
A good reader will recognize that the problem is Judy was not invited to the party, while Sarah was. To fully understand the problem, the reader must use background knowledge—their own experiences—to infer how Judy might feel. Judy is likely sad or disappointed, which creates the conflict.
Guided Reading: Everyday Practice
You can help your child develop reading comprehension skills at home by identifying real-life problems and solutions. For example:
- Problem: Your child’s sports uniform is dirty on game day.
- Possible Solution: Call the coach to ask if they can play without it, or check if the coach has an extra uniform.
- Problem: Your child doesn’t understand their homework.
- Possible Solution: Call a classmate for help.
By discussing problems and solutions in everyday life, you’re teaching your child two valuable lessons:
- How to identify problems and solutions on a reading test.
- How to problem-solve in real life.
In Summary
A reading test will often require students to identify the problem and solution in a fiction story. The earlier a child learns to analyze situations and recognize conflicts, the better they will perform on tests. Reading test questions almost always ask “why”, so ensure your child can explain why a situation is a problem and how it affects the story.
With guided reading activities, you can help your child become a confident reader and thinker!
Education Staff Writer
Fountas, I. C., & Pinnell, G. S. (2010). Research base for guided reading as an instructional approach. Scholastic
ADDITIONAL READINGS:
TEACH READING – COMPREHENSION PREDICTIONS LESSON #2
TEACH READING – COMPREHENSION LESSON #3 THE CHARACTERS
TEACH READING – COMPREHENSION LESSON # 4 THE SETTING
