Comprehension is seen as involving meaningful communication between author and reader. Different degrees of comprehension such as literal comprehension, evaluation, reorganization, and reaction are discussed, and experience, intelligence, language development, and decoding skills are noted as important factors which influence reading comprehension. In addition to perceptive questioning and group discussions, using a wide variety of materials, giving background information, and utilizing listening activities are included as teaching strategies for developing comprehension. Parental understanding of reading comprehension and how it is achieved is seen as an important contribution to the child's educational success. References are included. (RT)