Children’s Literature
What factors affect the extent to which a child can “comprehend” a book?
How do those factors operate?
How would your understanding of these factors impact your choice of books for children?
Sample Answer
Several factors influence a child’s ability to comprehend a book, and understanding these factors is crucial for choosing appropriate books that will both engage and challenge them.
Factors affecting comprehension:
Cognitive factors:
- Developmental stage: Younger children have shorter attention spans and limited ability to infer meaning or make connections. Matching book complexity to their developmental level ensures they can follow the story and grasp the concepts.
- Prior knowledge and schema: Existing knowledge about the world and similar experiences help children connect with the text. Choosing books that relate to their familiar topics or build upon their existing schema eases comprehension.
- Vocabulary: Understanding the words used in the text is essential. Selecting books with age-appr