ABSTRACT
Understanding the meanings of printed words and texts is the core function of literacy that enables people to communicate messages across time and distance, express themselves beyond gestures, and create and share ideas. Without comprehension, reading words is reduced to mimicking the sounds of language, repeating text is nothing more than memorization and oral drill, and writing letters and characters is simply copying or scribbling. Making sense of printed words and communicating through shared texts with interpretive, constructive, and critical thinking is perhaps the central task of formal schooling around the world. Given the importance of reading comprehension for children’s literacy and learning, it is surprising that there are so few theories about it.
