Why Teach Reading Comprehension??

Why Teach Reading Comprehension? 
Well, because it's the MOST important thing of course. I always say to parents, it doesn't matter what level your child is reading, whether they UNDERSTAND the story is most important. Can't remember the last time I was out with colleagues or girlfriends discussing our reading levels, but I've been in a book club or two...talking about stories. 

1. Children think that reading well, means reading the words correctly:  This is obviously important, because you're not going to get much out of a story if you don't know what it says. However, reading the words in a story correctly doesn't always mean you understand what has happened. We've all been there in College. Rereading until you've finally figured out what it says. That's a skill we learned as students, because reading comprehension is the MOST important thing.  Recognizing the words accurately and quickly is only one part. Comprehension is the other piece. Readers also need to be able to understand and make connections with the text.
2. Comprehension helps readers to engage with the text. We want readers to talk to themselves. That's right. We want them wondering, making connections, telling stories about their story. It's important to encourage children to elaborate on the voices in their heads talking to them about stories. I know students are truly engaged when they interrupt their reading to share a connection, ask a question, or make a prediction.  
3. Sometimes you just don't get it. Even adults. Even advanced readers. If we don’t arm our readers with strategies they can use when the text is difficult, they may not know how to tackle the problem. 

If we can get kids excited about books, and excited about talking about books, we can unlock entire worlds for them. "Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of all teachers. - Charles William Eliot