My Story
My youngest son’s reading comprehension struggles became apparent when he entered second grade.
His fluency—which refers to the speed and accuracy with which a reader reads words in print text—tested below second-grade expectations.
Fluency is critical because it builds a bridge between word recognition and comprehension. It allows readers time to focus on what the text is saying rather than fixating on sounding out words, whether silently or aloud.
Note: When calling words become effortlessly, readers can make meaningful connections with what they are reading: understand how the text is developing and grasp what the author really wants them to know. This allows them to concentrate on comprehension and critical thinking.
At the time, I was a first-year teacher, and naturally, I felt that I let my own son down. Even though I was effectively helping middle schoolers’ comprehension soar, I could not unlock the barrier within my own child.
Thankfully, the answer came—from above. The Lord instructed me to be part of the solution: While my son’s classroom teacher reinforced fluency instruction, my assignment was to foster his oral critical thinking. That way, when fluency improved, accurate comprehension would already be in place, activated. Brilliant thinking from a brilliant God.
I followed through. I played audio versions of varied short stories and paused at strategic points to ask easy, medium, and challenging questions aligned with the text. If he answered correctly, I asked him to discuss the evidence in the text that supported his thinking. If he answered incorrectly, I had him explain the evidence he used and then clarified the faulty comprehension, pointing out the errors. Next, I probed and redirected his thinking, providing clear explanations and using textual evidence to affirm and reshape his reasoning. Afterwards, we read the printed version aloud together to reinforce how print awareness connects to oral language. The results blew me away—the learning blew me away.
Looking back, I realized that the method I used to foster critical thinking for my middle schoolers was exactly what I applied with my son. The takeaway: it’s never too early to nurture critical thinking in children. You can start as soon as you introduce them to their first picture book.
To date, more and more parents and teachers—even those teaching early learners—are fostering critical thinking the Monica Knighton Way!
“I had the privilege of watching Mrs. Knighton facilitate the workshop, Mommy, Literacy, and Me™. Her soft-spoken manner coached parents and students to listen attentively as she gave instructions. It was exciting to witness children engaging in the process and reading with their parents. Parents felt empowered to support their children’s reading and comprehension. I would highly recommend this workshop.”
– Katrina Hall, Parent Involvement Liaison, Martin Luther King Jr. FAME Academy, Jacksonville, FL