A Parent’s Guide to Reading with Your Child

Simple Comprehension Questions That Build Understanding, Confidence, and Connection

Reading together doesn’t need to feel like a quiz. The goal is conversation—helping your child think, talk, and make meaning from what they read. You don’t need to ask every question. Choose a few, listen closely, and enjoy the discussion.

Grades K–2: Building Understanding Through Talk

At this stage, focus on listening, retelling, and making simple connections. Pictures are an important part of comprehension.

For Stories (Narratives)

• What is this story mostly about?

• Who are the characters?

• What happened first? What happened next?

• How do you think the character felt? Why?

• What was your favorite part of the story?

• What do you think will happen next?

For Informational Text

• What is this book teaching us?

• What did you learn that you didn’t know before?

• Can you tell me one fact you remember?

• What pictures helped you understand the information?

• What is the book mostly about?

Grades 3–5: Strengthening Comprehension and Details

Students at this level are learning to explain their thinking and refer back to the text.

For Stories (Narratives)

• What problem does the character face?

• How does the character try to solve the problem?

• How do the character’s actions affect what happens?

• What lesson do you think the author wants us to learn?

• Can you retell the story in your own words?

For Informational Text

• What is the main idea of this section?

• What details support that main idea?

• How does this information connect to something you already know?

• What new vocabulary did you notice?

• Why do you think the author wrote this text?

Grades 6–8: Developing Deeper Thinking and Analysis

Middle school readers benefit from discussing why things happen and how ideas connect.

For Stories (Narratives)

• How does the character change throughout the story?

• What motivates the character’s decisions?

• How do events build on one another?

• What themes or messages do you notice?

• What evidence from the text supports your thinking?

For Informational Text

• What claim or idea is the author presenting?

• What evidence does the author use to support it?

• How is this text organized, and why does that matter?

• What questions do you still have after reading?

• Do you agree or disagree with the author? Why?

High School: Critical Thinking and Interpretation

At this level, conversations should encourage evaluation, perspective, and real-world connections.

For Stories (Narratives)

• What themes or social issues are explored in this text?

• How do character choices reflect those themes?

• How does the author’s style or structure impact meaning?

• What is the significance of the ending?

• How might different readers interpret this story differently?

For Informational Text

• What is the author’s purpose and perspective?

• Is the argument or explanation effective? Why or why not?

• How credible are the sources or evidence?

• How does this text connect to current events or real life?

• What conclusions can you draw based on the information presented?

Tips for Parents

• Let your child do most of the talking.

• It’s okay if answers aren’t perfect—focus on thinking, not correctness.

• Encourage your child to point to the text or pictures when explaining.

• Reading together builds more than skills—it builds confidence and connection.

You can return to these questions again and again with books, articles, homework assignments, or even news stories. Consistent conversations around reading make a powerful difference over time.

By Karen (Renee) Beatty French