I often ask DS about what is happening etc in the book because i often hear 'early readers don't understand what they are reading'.

Makaton is a sign language for learning disabled people. http://www.signedlanguage.co.uk/makaton.html

I remember reading things i didn't understand as a child (i think my reading ability surpassed my life experience), but a year or so later it would suddenly 'click' into place - yes i did retain the passage in my head that long!! Kinda funny becuase i can never remember things now!