Increase Reading Comprehension by Understanding Patterns

One definition of intelligence involves the ability to discern patterns among seemingly disparate bits of information. For example, an Italian mathematician named Fibonacci* made a discovery about the pattern of numbers. If you child can discern a pattern in the writing of a particular author, he can more easily comprehend what the writer is attempting to say.

At Think Tutoring we stress that good writing has a logical flow. And good reading means being able to recognize that flow or structure. "Deduction" is one of the more common patterns of organization. Once your child spots this pattern, she can determine the focus around which the facts are organized. She can actually scan the supporting details once she has determined the premise on which everything else is based.

An example of deductive writing is the following, which begins with the main point (underlined), which is then amplified with supporting details.

Think Tutoring  of Florham Park offers a wide array of services. Our headquarters in Florham Park provides learning and tutoring help.  Study Skills is offered in Madison at the Adult School of the Chathams, Madison & Florham Park. But no matter which location your child visits, or what subject is being taught, your child will receive specialized attention from outstanding tutors.
 
Perhaps the simplest way to assert the connection between reading comprehension and patterns is to quote Isaiah Berlin, a leading thinker of the 20th century: “To understand is to perceive patterns.”

*Fibonacci's name is actually a "portmanteau," but that's another blog. We'll study it when we discuss words that will help improve your child's writing.

**Here's a Fibonacci brainteaser: What number is next in this sequence?

             0  1  1  2  3  5  8  13  21  _________
 
Answer:   This problem illustrates the Fibonacci sequence, which has each number equal to the sum of the two numbers that preceded it. Thus, the correct answer is 34. Spotting patterns will help your child on standardized tests and IQ tests that have numerous questions like the one above.