Reading for Meaning: Supporting Reading Comprehension Skills
By Dr. Jennifer Murphy
If you’re an elementary school parent in Ohio, you’ve likely been hearing a lot about the science of reading — a body of research that shows how children learn to read through evidence-based instruction in word recognition and language comprehension — thanks to Ohio’s dyslexia laws.
As we work with our children, we spend a lot of time helping them learn how to accurately read words. But our main goal isn’t just reading accurately. We also want to help them understand what they read.
COMPONENTS OF READING COMPREHENSION
If reading comprehension is the goal, what do we need to do to get there?
While decoding skills are very important, we don’t want to wait until students are fluent readers to work on comprehension. Starting early, we also need to focus on language comprehension skills that support understanding, even as children are still learning to read. These skills include things like:
• Background Knowledge. Your child’s understanding of the world. The more they know about how the world works, the easier it is to understand what they’re reading.
• Vocabulary. The words your child understands and uses. A rich vocabulary helps them understand what words mean in context.
• Language Structures. Understanding how sentences are put together helps children follow more complex texts.
• Verbal Reasoning. The way your child thinks about and understands what words mean can help them make inferences, solve riddles, get jokes, and understand figurative language.
• Literacy Knowledge. Knowing how books and written language work, like recognizing story elements and understanding how different genres are organized, helps children make sense of what they’re reading.
READING COMPREHENSION STRATEGIES TO USE AT HOME
With intentional moments, you can create experiences that help build the language skills needed for strong reading comprehension over time.
• Notice Print in the Environment. For young children, point out and talk about familiar signs, labels and logos they see in everyday life. Rec ognizing environmental print helps them understand that words carry meaning.
• Read Aloud to Your Child your child can read independently, reading aloud helps model fluent reading, exposes them to more complex language, and gives you an opportunity to connect.
• Talk About the Books You’re Reading. Reading aloud to your child is fun, but don’t stop there. Talk about what you’re reading. Ask your child questions and discuss new vocabulary words.
• Model Your Thinking. Let your child know how you make sense of what you read. Talk through your process about how you made an inference, visualized a scene, or summarized the story.
• Highlight Similarities and Differences. Encourage your child to compare and contrast characters, events, settings, or vocabulary words. You can also support their understanding by helping them group related ideas into categories.
Not only can these strategies help build the language comprehension your child needs to be a strong reader, but they will also build emotional connections with positive reading experiences — and with you.
• Build Background Knowledge. Expose your child to new ideas and information. Watch a documentary, visit a new place, talk about current events, or choose a read aloud on an unfamiliar topic.
Dr. Jennifer Murphy is an independently licensed school psychologist and the Director of Assessment at Achievement Advantage Assessment & Services. She specializes in psychoeducational assessments, focusing on learning differences and executive functioning. Dr. Murphy also volunteers on the advisory council of the Northern Ohio Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (NOBIDA).
Dealing With ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FRIENDSHIPS
By Aisha Taylor
Elementary school friendships are far more than just play — they are crucial building blocks for a child’s social and emotional development. Yet, these early connections often present complex challenges for both kids and parents. So, how can families navigate the world of elementary school friendships?
FRIENDSHIPS EVOLVE AND CHANGE
Friendships change significantly as children grow. Elizabeth Viiberg, a therapist and licensed social worker, says, “When you’re itty bitty, friendships are more about shared toys and space, rather than attachment and shared interests. In elementary school, friendships become more selective, a little more stable, and have greater emotional investment as they gain more complex social-emotional and critical thinking skills.”
As kids mature, their interests shift, and sometimes friends move away. This can be difficult for children still learning to manage big emotions.
Samantha Good, a perinatal and nutrition specialized psychotherapist, suggests framing this by explaining that friendships
often last “for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Very few friendships fall into that last category, and that’s perfectly OK.”
Parents can support their children by validating their feelings and teaching them how to grieve these changes. Feeling sad or unsettled about evolving friendships is natural and OK.
Good recommends parents model resilience in their own relationships and by sharing experiences with evolving friendships. This helps children understand that change is a normal part of life, and that the kindness and skills they develop through friendships are what truly last.
NAVIGATING FRIENDSHIP DIFFICULTIES
Most human relationships face challenges, and elementary school friendships are no different.
Viiberg notes a significant gap in social skill development due to the pandemic, which now impacts current friendships. This comes in addition to the “extraordinary amount of emotional growth that brings about new challenges.”
“For example, elementary friendships have a bigger influence on identity than
earlier relationships,” she says. “This is the first time exclusion, peer pressure, friendship breakups, etc. Top all that with different parenting styles, can easily lead to miscommunication and hurt feelings.”
Good highlights common challenges she observes: “exclusive ‘best friend’ dynamics, misunderstandings due to developing social awareness, and learning how to manage emotions like jealousy or disappointment.”
She adds that children at this age often exhibit all-or-nothing thinking, which is developmentally appropriate. For instance, a child might get stuck believing she can only have one friend. If that friend decides not to play with her one day, the child might conclude they’re no longer best friends. This can trigger friendship jealousy, insecurity, and even low self-esteem.
Good emphasizes that young elementary school children lack the “cognitive development, frontal lobe processing to say, ‘Joey probably just wanted to play with Sally today, and it’s not a big deal. I can play with Joey tomorrow.’”
She’s seen a significant rise in insecurity and low self-esteem at younger ages.
“Many kids today seem to struggle with a lack of social skills and confidence, which can make it harder for them to initiate or maintain friendships,” she adds. “I’m seeing children internalize negative self-beliefs much sooner — things like ‘I’m not good enough’ or ‘no one wants to play with me.’”
THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON FRIENDSHIPS Technology and social media are increasingly part of many children’s lives, even at the elementary level. While these tools can help kids stay connected,
they also bring challenges. Viiberg wants parents to understand that technology is a privilege, not owed. It’s OK to place limits, expect responsible use, and set clear expectations for behavior online.
Drawing from her work with teens, Good has seen how social media can become overwhelming or toxic. For younger children, she gently encourages parents to delay introducing technology and social media for as long as possible to support healthy development.
“We aren’t naturally designed for nonstop, surface-level interactions, and this can affect their ability to think critically, impact their self-esteem, and stir up feelings like envy,” she says. “If you think about how social media can affect you as an adult, it’s even more intense for a child whose brain and emotions are still growing.”
Technology can be a helpful tool when used thoughtfully. Parents should stay involved by knowing what their kids are doing online, having open conversations about their experiences, and teaching values like kindness and empathy both online and offline.
Good recommends parents set clear boundaries around screen time and make space for face-to-face interactions. While this may feel overwhelming, she encourages parents that, “It’s possible that technology can support friendships instead of getting in the way. It’s all about balance and thoughtful involvement.”
KEY SIGNS OF HEALTHY VS. UNHEALTHY FRIENDSHIPS
As elementary school children grow, it’s important for them to recognize the signs of both healthy and unhealthy friendships. Viiberg notes that children she works with identified indicators of healthy friendships as: kind words and actions, similar interests, being helpful or supportive, honesty, respect for their things, safe hands and body, listening, being a shoulder for tears, taking turns, and respecting their words. Conversely, unhealthy friendships, according to these children, include: not listening, being unable to handle emotions, selfishness, and hurtful behavior.
“Unhealthy friendships often involve a subtle but consistent power imbalance where one child is always in control,” Good says. “Your child feels anxious before interactions or she comes home feeling small, excluded, or confused by repeated ‘jokes’ at her expense.”
Sometimes children will try to earn friendship by going along with things that
don’t feel good, or they’ll be afraid to say no.
“That’s when it starts to move into unhealthy territory,” she adds.
HOW PARENTS CAN HELP
Awareness is key. If you notice your child’s friendship trending toward unhealthy, trust your parental gut. If something feels off, it probably is.
“Be a safe, calm place for your child to talk, and then help them isolate what’s not feeling right,” Good says. “Sometimes, it’s easier for kids to see it clearly when they’re taken out of the situation.”
She recommends asking questions like:
“If Mommy said that to you, how would you feel?”“If you saw Daddy (or someone else) talk to me that way, what would your body do?”These small role-plays can help children identify uncomfortable dynamics without feeling defensive. If a friendship is veering into harmful territory.
“Help kids name the behavior, express how it makes them feel, and state what they want to be different,” Good says. “When children feel empowered to use their voice, they’re less likely to tolerate mistreatment.”
When a child feels left out, it’s particularly tough.
“As a mom, our instinct is to jump in and fix it to protect our kids from pain,” Good says. “That’s only natural.”
However, she cautions against sending the message that sadness or disappointment are emotions to avoid, as this can hinder resilience.
“This is where emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills come into play,” she says. “Helping kids learn to sit with difficult emotions, name them, and process them gives them lifelong tools.”
Good emphasizes the importance of not being a helicopter parent or a social engineer when it comes to friendships.
“Kids need space to navigate social dynamics and learn from their own experiences,” she says. “That said, parents should always be a listening ear and offer suggestions when asked.”
ESTABLISHING BOUNDARIES AND FORGIVENESS
Boundaries are crucial for friendships and in life. To teach children about boundaries, parents can explain that they are rules and limits we set to protect ourselves within relationships — including body safety.
“While boundaries are important, flexibility allows you to adapt and grow, creating healthier connections with others,” Viiberg says. Assertiveness skills balance
rigid and porous boundaries, helping a person create healthy boundaries that respect both their own needs and the needs of others. Role-playing, stories, books, and media are excellent visual aids. It’s important to have a communication plan, such as the Trusted Circle approach (identifying 3-5 adults they can turn to) or creating a “Friend’s House Safety Checklist.”
Safety is the non-negotiable boundary.
“If your child is not emotionally safe, or if you notice signs of depression or distress, it’s time to step in,” Good says, adding that for younger children, she encourages reaching out to other parents to work through challenges together.
While ending a friendship can be difficult, Good adds. “It’s also OK, and sometimes necessary, to help kids walk away from friendships that aren’t healthy.”
However, it’s equally important to teach them to stick it out when conflicts are just misunderstandings.
“In today’s culture, where ‘canceling’ is common, we risk teaching kids to cut ties too quickly instead of working through tough emotions or disagreements,” she says. “I’ll never encourage anyone to stay in an unsafe relationship, but it’s also vital to pause, listen, and try to understand the other person’s heart before deciding to walk away.”
Nicole Levy, executive director of Luther Memorial School, highlights the importance of actively teaching and practicing reconciliation.
“Giving them the words to say is one thing, but helping them to understand that forgiveness doesn’t just make the hurt go away is an important part of it, too,” she says.
Levy emphasizes that “forgiveness is something that we do even if it is something that we don’t feel right away. It can take time and effort to move past being hurt.”
It’s also important in reconciliation for children to learn how to make a meaningful apology if they wronged another person and understand what they are apologizing for.
WHEN A CHILD STRUGGLES TO MAKE FRIENDS
Every child is different, and it’s natural for parents to worry when their child prefers solitude or isn’t as outgoing as others. “If your child isn’t showing signs of depression or anxiety, there’s usually no cause for concern,” Good says.
Many children thrive with smaller social circles or solitary play, and that’s perfectly healthy. Regularly check in with your child about how he feels in social settings. Most
importantly, respect your child’s unique temperament and pace. Pushing too hard can increase anxiety and resistance. The goal is to offer support, create opportunities, and provide acceptance, helping your child build meaningful connections on his own terms.
MODEL HEALTHY BEHAVIOR
Viiberg reminds parents, “You can’t teach your kids what you don’t know.” If parents struggle with emotional regulation, communication or conflict resolution, their children likely will, too, as “behavior is learned.” Therefore, learning how to react with intentionality and responsiveness instead of on autopilot is an important skill.
“A calm and curious response will always yield a better outcome than a knee-jerk reaction driven by stress or habit,” she advises.
“As parents, we can model good communication and gently guide them through tricky moments, helping them learn how to resolve conflicts and offering comfort when they’re sad or grieving,” Good says. She acknowledges that it won’t be perfect, and “that’s OK. They’re learning, just like we all do, but with a developing brain and limited life experience.”
Her final advice is to “allow children to experience the ups and downs of friendship with gentle support, rather than stepping in to fix everything. Patience and compassion, for your child and yourself, are key, as these early lessons set the stage for all future relationships. Your role is to support, not control, by listening, modeling kindness and offering guidance when needed.”
TECH SAFETY for Elementary Kids
By Shana O’Malley-Smith
Finding the right technology for elementary-aged kids can be a balancing act —parents want devices that are educational and engaging, but also safe, age-appropriate and easy to manage.
From devices with built-in parental controls to smartwatches that encourage independence while keeping families connected, here are some of the best tech tools that support learning and creativity while giving parents peace of mind.
AMAZON FIRE KIDS PRO TABLET
Features built-in safeguards that protect your children’s privacy and prevent malware and spyware, ensuring a safe and secure online experience. Kids can enjoy ad-free videos, games, apps, books and interactive experiences that help kids play, create and learn. amazon.com
VERIZON GIZMO WATCH
Only parent-approved contacts can call or text your child’s watch, and the watch can’t access any internet content. Use the GizmoHub app on your phone to easily keep up on your child’s location on the map. With an SOS button, voice and video calling, and text messaging, staying in touch with your child is as close as their wrist. And now, Gizmo Watch 3 includes a touchscreen keyboard for kids to type precisely what they want to say in their messages. verizon.com
GABB PHONE
With no social media or internet access, smart message filtration, and GPS tracking, it’s the phone that keeps your kids connected, not addicted. gabb.com
SPOTIFY KIDS APP
Enjoy kid-friendly content handpicked just for them. Listen to music, audiobooks and more. Available with the Spotify premium family subscription. spotify.com
ECHO DOT KIDS
Kids can ask Alexa to play music, read a bedtime story, get help with their homework, stream songs and more. Alexa will automatically give kid-friendly responses and filter explicit songs. You can also set daily time limits and review activity in the Amazon Parent Dashboard. amazon.com
JBL KIDS WIRELESS HEADPHONES
These Bluetooth enabled safe sound headphones are designed to never exceed 85db making them safe for even the youngest music fans. Plus, child-friendly control buttons make it easy and safe for children to operate. various retailers
Grades 7-12 School Open House Sunday, October 26 - 12:30-2:30 p.m. Optional Information session - 11 a.m. - noon
Students and families interested in the Upper and Middle School (Grades 7-12) can attend an optional information session from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in The Lorraine and Bill Dodero Center for Performing Arts. Beginning at 12:30 p.m., you will have the opportunity to speak with current faculty, administrators and families, learn more about tuition assistance, tour campus with a student ambassador and meet the athletic coaches. Join for either portion or both.
Gilmour Academy is home to students from 18 months to 18 years and its mission is to educate the mind and empower the heart of every student. Founded by the Brothers of Holy Cross, Gilmour encourages students of all faiths to ask tough questions, think critically and grow spiritually. Following the independent school model, Gilmour’s small class sizes and variety of real-world learning opportunities provide a personalized education for every student. Through a rigorous academic program, religious studies, social service and an emphasis on leadership, Gilmour educates the whole person.
Gilmour’s Montessori Toddler and preschool programs promote self-directed learning and an interdisciplinary approach, teaching children how to learn instead of just what to learn. Students in Gilmour’s Lower School (traditional Kindergarten - Grade 6) learn to formulate their own ideas and questions about the world around them. Class activities range from working in the greenhouse, to researching ways to reduce energy consumption, building houses to scale from blueprints they’ve created, and learning to play a variety of musical instruments.
At Gilmour’s Middle School, seventh and eighth graders are afforded every opportunity to explore new passions and develop their talents in an individualized learning environment. They may take advanced courses at the
Upper School and join their older peers in a variety of club offerings, making for a smooth transition into high school.
Upper School students benefit from a wide range of electives — from molecular genetics and forensic science to digital marketing and entrepreneurship — as well as unique real-world experiences. One standout opportunity is the semester-long science research internship, which places students alongside industry professionals in a professional lab setting.
Gilmour also offers the VECTOR program, a signature academic track that combines coursework, mentoring and professional networking in areas such as engineering, entrepreneurship and civic engagement. VECTOR students graduate with a robust portfolio and real-world experience aligned with their passions.
As both an independent and Catholic school, Gilmour inspires students to realize that they have both the talent and the responsibility to make the world a better place. Ranked the #1 Catholic high school in Northeast Ohio by niche.com, at Gilmour, we know If you educate the mind and empower the heart, students do more than succeed - they thrive.
37501 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville 440-327-1175
lakeridgeacademy.org
K-12 Preview Days: September 19, November 14, and April 17
Enrollment: 400
Grades served: Jr. K-12
Student to teacher ratio: 8:1
Tuition: $11,600-$22,000
Power Points:
The Only Jr. K-12 Private School on Cleveland’s West Side
Lake Ridge Academy is a unique educational oasis on a stunning 93-acre campus in North Ridgeville. Students from over 35 communities and 13 countries flock here for our exceptional learning experience, where relationships, wellness, and belonging are at the heart of everything we do.
Small Classes, Big Impact
Our commitment to small classes and exceptional teachers means your child will receive personal attention and a deep understanding of their unique learning style. Our teachers are passionate about their subjects and dedicated to inspiring a love of learning.
A Community of Learners
Lake Ridge Academy isn’t just a school; it’s a community. Our students have the opportunity to interact with peers from all grade levels, fostering leadership, collaboration, and lifelong friendships.
Academic Excellence Meets Individual Needs
We believe every student is an individual with unique abilities, strengths, and interests. Our rigorous curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire, while our personal approach ensures each student can reach their full potential.
• 100% of graduates attend a four-year college or university
• 73% of students receive financial aid
• Students travel from 35 communities and 13 countries to attend Lake Ridge
Beyond the Classroom
At Lake Ridge Academy, we believe in a wellrounded education. Our beautiful campus offers a serene setting for exploration and discovery, while our extracurricular programs cater to various interests, from athletics and arts to STEM and community service.
A Place Where Everyone Belongs
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and respected. Our focus on wellness, both physical and emotional, ensures that our students can thrive academically and socially.
Ready to Join Our Community?
Discover why Lake Ridge Academy is the perfect choice for your child. Schedule a tour today at lakeridgeacademy.org/admissions/visit.
• 93-acre campus 25 miles outside of Cleveland
• The class of 2025 received over $9.4 million in merit scholarships
• 70% of the class of 2025 was accepted to their top-choice school
• Five Graduation Certificate programs offered, including Business and Entrepreneurship, Fine Arts, Global and International Studies, Engineering and Innovation, and Scientific Research.
School
CREATIVE PLAYROOMS
CONSTELLATION SCHOOLS
More than academics — A place for them to shine. Imagine your child’s educational journey beginning in a place of pure joy and belonging. At Constellation Schools: Parma Community Day Drive Elementary & Parma Community Pearl Road Elementary they believe in more than academics. Their caring teachers and hands-on learning nurture students’ spirits, creating a safe haven where curiosity blossoms. They help students learn, grow and confidently be their best selves, ready for a lifetime of learning. Visit constellationschools.com
Creative Playrooms Mon-
tessori and Child Care Centers provide children with a strong foundation for their lifelong learning journey. Their gifted educators inspire children to develop a love for learning, focusing on the development of each child — physically, emotionally and cognitively — through both traditional and play-based Montessori approaches. As an award-winning provider with six locations and 50+ years of experience in the Cleveland area, Creative Playrooms offers a variety of programs for infants through school-age children. Visit creativeplayrooms.com
GILMOUR ACADEMY
As an independent and Catholic school, Gilmour is uniquely able to educate the mind and the heart of every student. After beginning their personalized academic journey at Gilmour’s Lower School, students transition seamlessly to the Middle School. There, seventh and eighth graders explore new passions, continue their faith journey and develop their talents in a highly individualized learning environment. They are also able to take advanced courses at the Upper School, making for a smooth transition into high school. gilmour.org
HAWKEN SCHOOL
Hawken’s Lower School program embodies the school’s dual commitment to academic excellence and social-emotional growth. Students develop a strong foundation in core skills while learning to be more independent and responsible. Recent renovations support not only Hawken’s commitment to truly knowing each student as a learner and individual, but also the school’s evolving personalized learning model. Each grade-level cluster features a learning commons to support flexible grouping, differentiated instruction, and collaborative, project-based experiences. hawken.edu
LAKE RIDGE ACADEMY
Lake Ridge Academy is the only independent college preparatory school on Cleveland’s West Side. Its Jr. K-12 co-educational curriculum offers a unique blend of rigorous academics, extracurricular activities, and a focus on wellness and character development. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, their devoted faculty provides personal attention to help every student thrive. Come visit the 93-acre campus and see the Lake Ridge difference. The next Preview Day is September 19. Register at lakeridgeacademy.org
MENLO PARK ACADEMY
Menlo Park Academy is the state’s only tuition-free school for gifted children in kindergarten through eighth grade. The school offers an innovative, accelerated curriculum, including nine high-school-credit classes, the opportunity to learn alongside like-minded peers and a faculty dedicated to meeting the unique needs of gifted children. Students can explore their passions, build friendships and find belonging, as well as academic and social-emotional success. Menlo Park Academy is the #1 charter elementary, #1 charter middle school, ranked #13 of all kindergarten through fifth grade Ohio public schools (niche.com). menloparkacademy.com
PAINESVILLE
CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Painesville Christian Academy provides a safe, nurturing, and Christ-centered environment where children grow academically, spiritually and socially. Its dedicated staff fosters a love for learning through hands-on experiences, structured curriculum and faith-based values. From preschool to school-age care, it partners with families to develop confident, compassionate learners. Discover the difference a Christian education can make — enroll today and watch your child thrive at Painesville Christian Academy.
painesvillechristianacademy.com
SPRING GARDEN WALDORF SCHOOL
Spring Garden Waldorf School is one of
only two accredited Waldorf schools in Ohio, and has been educating children from the surrounding five-county area for 44 years. Families come to Waldorf education because they’re ready for something different. Their curriculum challenges students with hands-on learning, critical thinking and creative expression. By engaging the whole child with a multi-disciplinary approach, they nurture a lifelong passion for learning. Discover education that engages, inspires and empowers. sgws.org
ST. HILARY SCHOOL
The Future Begins Here. St. Hilary School in Fairlawn serves students in grades K-8 in a faith-based environment with a curriculum that challenges and accommodates diverse learning abilities. The average student-teacher ratio is 20:1. Special offerings include Spanish, French, Chinese, religion, art, music, physical education, technology, advanced math and enrichment opportunities. Many extracurricular activities, as well as auxiliary, remedial, clinic, lunch and extended care services, are available. 645 Moorfield Road, Fairlawn, 330-867-8720, ext. 343, st-hilaryschool.org
SAINT JOAN OF ARC CATHOLIC SCHOOL K-8
Best-in-class academics, vibrant programming in technology, science, music and life skills, a safe and secure campus in the heart of Chagrin Falls, and a community of faith that is actually part of a parish — St. Joan of Arc School is everything your student needs to develop a lifelong love of learning and grow as a person of faith. St. Joan of Arc School. Driven by excellence. Guided by faith. stjoanofarc.org
UNIVERSITY SCHOOL
At University School, each boy is free and supported to let his true self thrive. The faculty at University School are invested in every boy’s interests, his mental and emotional health, as well as his academic development. Built to match how boys learn best, their renovated and expanded Middle School building opened in Fall 2025. US is ranked Ohio’s No. 1 Private K–12 School by Niche. Its Open House is November 2. Learn more at us.edu/visit
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
Serving grades K–2, Westlake Academy offers a nurturing, family-first environment where every child is known, supported and celebrated. Located alongside Creative Playrooms, the school provides wraparound care and enrichment — from world languages to STEM to movement — all rooted in multicultural, whole-child learning. With joyful school traditions, a positive behavior system, and a welcoming culture, Westlake Academy is where young students take confident first steps in their educational journey. accelschools.com
