In literacy, what does comprehension refer to?

Comprehension in literacy specifically refers to the ability to understand and interpret written material. This encompasses not just the decoding of words and phrases, but also the capacity to grasp the meaning behind the texts, analyze content, and make inferences. Strong comprehension skills allow readers to connect ideas, draw conclusions, and reflect on what they have read.

This skill is crucial for developing literacy because it enables students to engage with texts critically and thoughtfully, rather than merely reciting or reading words. While being able to recite texts or reading without errors is important for foundational literacy, these skills do not necessarily indicate that a person fully understands or can engage with the material at a deeper level. Similarly, writing original texts, while a valuable skill in literacy, focuses more on expression than comprehension.