What are explanation skills?
Explanation skills are the ability to understand and explain how different parts of a text work together to create meaning. These skills help children to:
Understand not only what happens in a story but also why it happens
- Spot themes and patterns in the story
- Think about the features of non-fiction books
- Think about ‘author intent’ – why the author has chosen to include certain words, events, themes or features
How You Can Help Your Child at Home
Look at non-fiction books
Pick a short non-fiction book, for example on space or animals. Help your child to understand that a non-fiction book does not need to be read in order. Instead, they should use the contents page to help them to find the parts that interest them.
As you read, find features such as: headings, captions, diagrams, lists, glossary, index, contents page. Ask: “Why is this included? How does it help you understand the topic?”
Explanation Reading Questions:
- Why has the page been laid out like this?
- How does this feature (for example a diagram, title, subheading or glossary) help you to understand this page?
- What is this feature for?
- The character’s mood has changed. Find words that tell you this.
- How does this word make you feel?
- Which section was the most interesting/ exciting part? Why?
- How does the author help you to understand the character’s feelings?
- What does the author think about this? How do you know?