The DNA of reading comprehension: Knowledge, skills, and strategies

DNA is depicted as a double helix of two intertwining strands, held together in stable unison by hydrogen bonds.

Just as the strands of DNA are dependent on each other for stability, certain key components work together to create a strong foundation for effective reading comprehension. When we attempt to separate these strands, we lose the stable structure needed for successful reading.

Declarative knowledge (e.g., vocabulary, background knowledge, and text structure) and skills (e.g., decoding and fluency) could be described as the two intertwined strands.

The final component in DNA is the strong hydrogen bonds that hold the two strands together. We can compare these bonds to the reading comprehension strategies that help readers make meaningful connection between what they already know, and the information, often unfamiliar, that is presented in the text.