- Predicting
- Questioning
- Creating images - visual pictures
- Seeking clarification
- Constructing summaries
An important point that may be obvious to most, but was an "aha moment" for me, is that "proficient readers use many strategies". There is not one single step to good comprehension, but many strategies that need to be used together and to be practiced in an authentic way. Media specialists are taught to embed information seeking skills and search strategies within the curriculum, not to teach skills in isolation. Reading comprehension works the same way: students should use comprehension strategies and skills at the point of need, while they are actually reading.
Link to article by C.S. Adler on Reading Rockets webpage: Seven Strategies to Teach Students Text Comprehension. Useful resource for teachers and parents.
And, many of us (including children) use strategies while we're reading without even knowing we are using them. When we teach children to use them . . . or point out when they are using them . . . or encourage them to think about something in a different way . . . we are opening their eyes to their thinking and they will be more likely to do it again. How fun is that!
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of modeling and demonstrating during read-alouds. This is the best way to teach! After modeling and demonstrating, you might give them an opportunity to make a prediction, or ask them what they're wondering, etc. Looking forward to the results! :)
Thanks for sharing the link! You are right--proficient readers use multiple strategies all at the same time. While we might only be able to teach one at a time, we need to show students how all those strategies work together simultaneously!
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