ENGLISH: READING, COMPREHENSION, AND WRITING BASICS AT PRIMARY 6

By Good School Learning Hub

English often feels like the most confusing subject for parents and students alike. A child may read regularly yet struggle with comprehension questions, or write frequently but see little improvement in composition marks. After more than 15 years of teaching upper primary students, I’ve seen that these concerns are common, especially as expectations increase. This article explains what strong English foundations really look like, and how parents can support progress calmly and effectively.

Problem:

Many parents feel unsure about how English should be learned in the primary years. Unlike Mathematics or Science, improvement is not always immediate or visible. Students may read many books but still misunderstand questions, or write long compositions that lack clarity. This can lead to frustration and the belief that a child is “just not good at English,” which can affect confidence and motivation over time.

Details:

In the primary years, English learning rests on three closely linked skills: reading, comprehension, and writing. Reading builds exposure to language, but comprehension requires students to think about meaning, intention, and context. Writing, in turn, depends on both — students need ideas from reading and clarity from understanding. What we see year after year is that difficulties arise when one area develops without the others. For example, students may memorise vocabulary without understanding how it is used, or focus on length in writing without organising ideas clearly.

Solutions:

Strong English foundations are built through consistent, thoughtful practice rather than speed or volume. Encouraging students to talk about what they read helps deepen understanding and prepares them for comprehension questions. In writing, focusing on clear ideas, simple structure, and accurate sentences matters more than using “big words.” Parents can support progress by asking children to explain answers, reflect on feedback, and revise thoughtfully. When reading, comprehension, and writing are developed together, improvement becomes steadier and more meaningful.

Alternatives:

Some parents respond to English difficulties by increasing writing assignments or drilling comprehension papers. Others focus only on reading, hoping improvement will happen naturally. While these approaches may help in certain cases, each has limits. Practice without reflection can reinforce weak habits, while reading without guidance may not translate into better comprehension or writing. A balanced approach — combining guided reading, structured practice, and regular feedback — helps students develop all three skills together.

Further thoughts:

English development in the primary years is a gradual process. Progress may not always be immediate, but small improvements in understanding and expression accumulate over time. Children do not need to sound advanced to do well; they need clarity, confidence, and consistent support. With strong foundations in reading, comprehension, and writing, students are better prepared to handle the increasing demands of the upper primary years with confidence and control.