Reading Comprehension: Start it early and teach it often

Abstract

Comprehension is the ultimate purpose for reading and is the key to reading success. Research has shown that children as young as five years old can be taught comprehension strategies and implement these strategies when they read. There are many different programs that provide instructional methods for teaching reading. One such methodology/curriculum, called the Comprehension Process Approach (CPA), is the focus of this paper and the basis for the lesson plans included as part of this Capstone Project. The rational for selecting CPA is that it is specifically for use in kindergarten through the third grade. This is an age range most other comprehension programs do not mention despite the evidence that early comprehension teaching can optimize a student's potential for lifelong reading success.