Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and Background Knowledge

Reading comprehension is a vital component of meaning making, literacy development and content learning.

Oregon’s Early Literacy Framework provides guidance on research-based instructional strategies that support the development of reading comprehension.

Deepen your understanding of strategies to enhance reading comprehension with these ready-to-use resources and professional learning opportunities for educators.

Reading Comprehension Resources

Literacy Spotlight: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and Background Knowledge

Jump start your understanding of reading comprehension with this two-page summary that provides examples of instructional practice and highlights the skills and knowledge students need to make sense of text.

Download Spotlight

Reflecting on Our Practice: Reading Comprehension

Build a shared understanding of key instructional practices for K-5 reading comprehension with this slide deck. Use it to reinforce your own learning journey or as part of a professional learning session.

Download Slide Deck

Reading Comprehension Online Module

Learn evidence-based methods for teaching reading comprehension, increasing student vocabulary and creating connections with students’ existing knowledge in this self-paced learning module.

Enter Module

Collaborative Learning Session Guide: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and Background Knowledge

Explore this collaborative learning session guide to better understand how to advance all students’ reading comprehension. Learn with and from your peers how to successfully create conditions that motivate and sustain young readers.

Download Guide

Featured Resources

Click the icons to access the featured resources below.

Review this planning guide for tips, templates and resources for creating engaging read aloud lessons.

Watch this video of a teacher engaging students in word learning.

Review the Early Literacy Walkthrough Planning and Discussion Guide to support observing and planning for literacy instruction.

Visit the Resource Library for more resources to enhance your literacy instruction.
Resource Library