TEACHING READING COMPREHENSION What is Reading Comprehension ? Reading comprehension is: * The ability to successfully generate meaning from text. * Reading comprehension is a very active, dynamic process in which the reader is actively involved in comprehending the meaning of the message; interacts with the text and combines information from the text with other sources of knowledge in order to make meaning. Reading Comprehension skills 1. Decoding : Ability to use letter-sound relationships to decipher words. 2. Fluency : Automatic, appropriate reading rate. 3. Vocabulary knowledge : Breadth, and depth , of vocabulary knowledge is important, i.e., not just the number of words students know, but the depth of their understanding. 4. Background knowledge : A conceptual framework , or context, into which students can fit new ideas. 5. Knowledge of com