5 Clear Signs Your Child Has Comprehension Problems — And What Can a Trinidad & Tobago Parent Do About It

Introduction:

Does your child struggle to explain what they’ve read or get frustrated during reading time? You're not alone. Many children in Trinidad and Tobago face Comprehension problems, and it’s often overlooked or mistaken for laziness or distraction. As parents, knowing the signs of reading difficulty is the first step to helping them succeed, both in school and in life.

Here are five clear signs to look out for and practical ways to support your child at home.

5 Signs Your Child Has Comprehension Problems

1. They Can Read Aloud but Don’t Understand What They’ve Read

Your child may sound fluent when reading aloud, but when you ask what the story was about, they shrug or give vague answers. This is a major sign of comprehension problems in children.

2. They Struggle to Answer Questions After Reading

Whether it's a textbook or a storybook, if your child has difficulty answering who, what, where, when, or why questions, they may not be processing what they read.

3. They Can’t Retell the Story in Their Own Words

Being able to summarize a story is a key part of understanding it. If your child repeats exact lines or goes off-topic, it might mean they didn’t grasp the main ideas.

4. They Get Frustrated or Avoid Reading

Children who can’t understand what they’re reading may become irritated or bored quickly. They may even make excuses to avoid reading altogether.

5. Their Performance in Other Subjects Is Affected

Comprehension affects all areas — from understanding math problems to grasping science concepts. If your child’s grades are slipping across the board, comprehension may be the root cause.

How Trinidadian Parents Can Help

• Talk About the Story

• After reading together, ask open-ended questions. “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why did the character do that?” Encourage them to explain in their own words.

• Use Real-Life Connections

• Relate stories to their everyday experiences. For example, if they read about markets, talk about trips to the Tunapuna or San Fernando market. This helps your child understand what they read better.

• Break the Text into Chunks

• Don’t force long reading sessions. Instead, break the story into smaller parts and discuss as you go.

• Try Audio Books or Read-Alouds

• Hearing stories helps some children process ideas better. Use read-alouds or local storytelling videos to build listening and understanding skills.

• Get Extra Support If Needed

Sometimes, a trained literacy tutor or educational support programme (like those offered at The Desha Academy) can make a big difference. Don’t wait too long if you see consistent signs.

Conclusion

Your child’s ability to understand what they read shapes how they learn and express themselves. If you’ve noticed any of these signs, don’t panic — you have the power to help.

At The Desha Academy, we support parents just like you with tools, strategies, and a heart-centered approach to learning.

Visit our website or message us to find out how we can work together to support your child’s growth.