In the podcast “The Importance of Teaching Comprehension in F-2 – A Conversation with Diane Snowball,” literacy specialist Diane Snowball joins Phil to spotlight the often-overlooked role of comprehension in early literacy. Diane challenges the notion that comprehension should come only after phonics and decoding, advocating instead for integrating meaning-making from day one. She shares actionable insights on fostering listening comprehension through read-alouds, choosing texts with intentional language patterns, and encouraging curiosity in young readers. Diane’s approach champions reading as a holistic, engaging process from the very beginning.
In the latest episode of “The Importance of Teaching Comprehension in F-2 – A Conversation with Diane Snowball,” literacy expert Diane Snowball sits down with Phil to explore why comprehension should be the heartbeat of early literacy, especially in an era dominated by phonics and decoding. Diane passionately explains that teaching comprehension is not something to reserve for later; instead, it should be woven into reading instruction from the very first day a child encounters a book.
Diane discusses how comprehension isn’t just about words—it's about engaging young minds in the "who, what, where, and why" of stories, even when they’re just listening. Through read-alouds, children not only hear the words but also experience the deeper mechanics of storytelling. Diane emphasises that read-alouds, like in her example of sharing “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” invite children to explore concepts of character, setting, and make-believe in an accessible way, building a foundation for thoughtful reading as they progress.
As they chat, Diane explains the importance of choosing texts with coherent structures and rich language, helping children develop an ear for narrative flow and language patterns that support comprehension. She talks about the role of varied sentence structures, how listening comprehension aids independent reading, and the vital role that illustrations play in helping young readers visualise and make sense of stories.
Diane’s insights remind us that comprehension is far from a passive skill. It’s a dynamic process involving curiosity, connection-making, and critical thinking. With her strategies and thoughtful approach, Diane empowers educators to prioritise comprehension, guiding children to become not just readers, but engaged, thoughtful participants in the world of stories. For more on Diane's insights and practical tips, tune in to this episode and dive into the show notes for additional resources.
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Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
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