Reading Comprehension
Explore resources designed to improve reading comprehension in kindergarten through third grades. 
- View a visual diagram of all three practices
- Watch a topic overview and download planning templates
- Listen to an expert
Explore the subtopics below to learn more about the recommended practices:
To learn more about the research underlying these practices, view the IES Practice Guide, Improving Reading Comprehension in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade.
Establishing Motivating Contexts for Reading and Encouraging Text Discussions
Reading Comprehension > Engage Students > Overview & Tools
This multimedia overview introduces the importance of providing a motivating, engaging environment for reading and facilitating high-quality text discussions. It describes the features of engaging...
Resource Type
Overview
Helping Students Focus on Text Structure
Reading Comprehension > Text Structure > Overview & Tools
This multimedia overview describes several ways teachers can work with students to improve their understanding of the structure of narrative and informational texts. Also included in this practice...
Resource Type
Overview
Teaching Reading Comprehension Strategies and Selecting Appropriate Text
Reading Comprehension > Comprehension Strategies > Overview & Tools
This multimedia overview introduces central ideas in comprehension strategy instruction, offers some examples of specific instructional approaches, and describes the importance of text selection...
Resource Type
Overview
Improving K-3 Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension > Overview & Tools
Research suggests that students who read with understanding at an early age gain broader access to texts, knowledge, and educational opportunities. To help students master the complex array of...
Resource Type
Overview
Text Discussion One Step at a Time
Reading Comprehension > Engage Students > Learn What Works
In this interview, Dr. P. David Pearson, who served on the IES panel that created the Practice Guide, Improving Reading Comprehension in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade, describes the value and...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Developing Student Motivation to Read
Reading Comprehension > Engage Students > Learn What Works
In this interview, Dr. John Guthrie describes several research-based strategies for engaging and motivating readers and provides examples for practitioners.
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Uncovering Text Structure
Reading Comprehension > Text Structure > Learn What Works
Dr. Joanna Williams discusses the importance of teaching children about narrative and informational text structure and describes some instructional tools she has used in her research with teachers.
Resource Type
Expert Interview
A Gradual Release of Responsibility
Reading Comprehension > Comprehension Strategies > Learn What Works
Dr. Nell Duke describes the “gradual release of responsibility” instructional approach to reading instruction, which involves explicit modeling and opportunities for guided practice leading to...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Choosing the Right Text
Reading Comprehension > Comprehension Strategies > Learn What Works
Dr. Nell Duke discusses the importance of choosing texts for reading instruction that are an appropriate difficulty level, range in genres, and align well with instructional goals.
Resource Type
Expert Interview
What Good Readers Do
Reading Comprehension > Comprehension Strategies > Learn What Works
Dr. Nell Duke, who served on the IES Panel that developed the Pratice Guide on Improving Reading Comprehension in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade, discusses the recommendation to teach students how...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Reading for Meaning: Key Findings From the IES Practice Guide
Reading Comprehension > Overview & Tools
Dr. Timothy Shanahan, chair of the panel that produced Improving Reading Comprehension in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade, provides an overview of the Practice Guide’s central recommendations.
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Visual Diagram: Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension > Overview & Tools
The diagram serves as a visual overview of three recommended practices based on the Improving Reading Comprehension in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade Practice Guide—teach comprehension strategies,...
Resource Type
Visual Diagram
