Good Readers understand the processes that go with reading.  Good readers are able to consciously control these processes. Many times in my life, I have been reading a book and have come to realize that for the past 10 pages I was not comprehending anything that I had read.  This is always very frustrating, especially when you have to turn back and reread what you just read.  Metacognition is when readers are able to control their reading processes.  There are five important processes that good readers can do, including predict, picture, relate, monitor, and correct the gaps in their understanding.  I realize that in order for me to understand what is being read, I need to be in an environment where distractions are minimal.  Interest in the material is also very important.  When reading a text book, I utilize the strategy of self-questioning.  By going over in my head what has happened in the chapter, I am better able to retain the information when it is needed in the future.  Making meaningful connections to the text is also a great strategy for retaining the information.  By using personal relations to the text, such as remember 'please remember my dear Aunt Sally' as "PRMDAS" the student is able to recall that information and possibly  connect it to the sentence.  The difference between cuddling up with a favorite novel as opposed to cuddling up with a textbook is entirely too different.  In the field, I notice that comprehension is very important.  During large group time, the teacher will at first ask the students to make predictions about what they believe the book will be about.  Also, the teacher periodically pauses during the book to ask questions which also help students comprehend what was going on in the book.  At the end of the book, by coming together and asking the students to discuss the major points of the book, the teacher is facilitating comprehension strategies to her young students.