Research shows us that use of the strategy we call Making Connections is effective for helping readers to understand text.  Making connections while reading helps readers, young and old, to monitor their own thinking, to stay actively engaged while reading, and to improve their overall comprehension. (Fountas & Pinnell, 2001; Keene & Zimmermann, 1997)

Making Connections is an easy strategy that we can practice while reading aloud with our children.  Given time, they will adopt the practice unconsciously on their own.

View a video of a teacher helping students to Make Connections while reading here.

For further reading, find this article: Learn How to Help Your Child Build Their Reading Comprehension with This Strategy About Making Meaningful Connections by Rachel Wise