How can I help comprehension without translating every word?
Teach the child to seek clues in the sentence, picture and word structure, then test meaning in context. Aim to understand key words and the main idea, not translate each word separately.
Practical takeaways
- Predict, then check
- Seek a clue before translating
- Link details to the main idea
The core idea
Teach the child to seek clues in the sentence, picture and word structure, then test meaning in context. Aim to understand key words and the main idea, not translate each word separately.
Skills that should be demonstrated
Each step offers a clear model, guided practice and a new example to check transfer.
- Predict, then check
- Seek a clue before translating
- Link details to the main idea
- Return to the text when unsure
How to apply it
Start with one example, think aloud and let the child try. If wrong, provide a targeted hint and another attempt rather than the answer.
How can we check understanding?
Use a new word or text of similar difficulty and ask how the child reached the answer or found evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Should we repeat the same material?
Repeat once or twice with a specific purpose, then use similar new material to check learning.
What if the child keeps guessing?
Cover the picture while reading the word, return to the relevant sound or context, then reveal the picture for meaning.
When should we increase difficulty?
When a new task is completed accurately, with understanding and little help—not merely because the example is memorised.