Beyond Phonics: How to Turn Your Child into a Reading Detective

Has your child mastered the "ABCs" but still struggles to explain what they just read?

You aren't alone. Many parents encounter a surprising hurdle around 2nd or 3rd grade. It’s the shift from Learning to Read (decoding words and sounds) to Reading to Learn (understanding context, meaning, and subtext).

It’s possible for a child to read a sentence perfectly out loud without absorbing the story. This is where Reading Comprehension comes in—it's the difference between seeing symbols on a page and watching a movie in your mind.

The Secret: Active Reading

Strong readers are "Reading Detectives." They don't just pass their eyes over the words; they hunt for clues! They ask questions like:

• Why did the character do that?

• What do I think will happen next?

• How does this make the character feel?

Make It A Game, Not A Chore

Drilling your child with questions after every paragraph can feel like an interrogation. Instead, try gamifying the process!

Squishyland isn't just a reading game; it's a rescue mission. In this story-driven adventure, players must read passages and answer comprehension questions to save adorable "Squishies" from a storm.

It tricks the brain into wanting to understand the details. To rescue the Squishy, your child must become a Reading Detective. It builds the critical muscle of "reading for meaning" without the tears that come with traditional worksheets.

Helpful Resource: Reading Strategies

If you want to help your child visualize what they read, this video from Rock 'N Learn features "Marko the Pencil" giving some excellent, kid-friendly tips on how to look for clues in a story.

Ready for an Adventure?

Stop the homework battles and start the rescue mission.

Get Squishyland Here