What can we do as readers to not

feel overwhelmed with the text we

read? How can we increase

comprehension?

Here are 4 helpful strategies!

1. Number the paragraphs

- As students, you to be

able to cite and refer to

the text.

-One simple way to do

this is by numbering

each paragraph, section

or stanza in the left hand

margin.

When you refer to the text, it is important to

say which paragraph they are referring to.

The rest of the class will be able to quickly find

the line being referred to.

Why else should you do this?

-

-

-

2. Chunk the text.• This means breaking up the text into smaller sections (or

chunks)BUT WHY?• It is easier to understand/organize content of the text

HOW TO DO THIS?1)First be sure you’ve numbered your paragraphs2)As you read and annotate, draw a horizontal line

between paragraphs when you sense that the author is describing a new topic or idea

3)After you have divided the text up, look back at each chunk, and quickly write down the main idea of this section in the margin.

*IN THE LEFT HAND MARGIN, Summarize in just a few words what this chunk is about

Later in the year, you will be able to chunk quickly and efficiently! As you number the paragraphs you must make decisions about what paragraphs will be grouped together.

• It is important to understand that there is no

right or wrong way to chunk the text, as

long as you can explain why you grouped

certain paragraphs together.

3. Underline and circle… with a

purpose.

THIS IS ALSO CALLED ANNOTATION!

• Think about what information you want to take from the text.– LOOK FOR KEY WORDS

• Ask yourself what the authorwants you to understand!

• What you mark will may depending on the text type. (fiction, non-fiction)

4. Right margin: Dig deeper into the textIn the right-hand margin, you also need to be note-

taking about the reading you are doing.

You may:

• Use a power verb to describe what the author is DOING. (For example: Describing, illustrating, arguing, explaining…)

• Note: It isn’t enough to write “Comparing” and be done. What is the author comparing? BE SPECIFIC

You may also wish to:

-Represent the information with a picture.

• This is a good way to show what you think this

text is about visually.

• -Ask questions.

– -What is your point of confusion?

– -What do you want to know more about?

– -What could you ask the author or a character?

• Make comments that show you are digging

deeper into the text.