Year 6 reading comprehension SATs: practical home support

SATs reading can feel abstract for children because questions often ask for explanation, not just a word from the text.

Three reading moves to practise

1. Retrieve: find the exact line.
2. Infer: explain what it suggests.
3. Prove: quote evidence in your answer.

Home routine (10 minutes)

• Read one short paragraph together.
• Ask one retrieval question and one inference question.
• Have your child answer in a full sentence with a quote.

Over time, this creates the habit SATs reading expects.

Parent prompt bank

• "Which word in the text gives you that idea?"
• "Can you prove it with a quote?"
• "Why did the author choose this phrase?"

Children who can justify answers usually feel more confident in the test hall.