Reading Comprehension Strategies

What good readers do to understand what they read

Pre-Reading Strategies

Setting yourself up for success

Setting yourself up for success

1. Read with a Purpose

» This is basic, but critical - ask, “why am I reading this?”

If you have a purpose, you will improve your focus!

» This is basic, but critical - ask, “why am I reading this?”

If you have a purpose, you will improve your focus!

For assigned readings:» Is it part of a class lesson?

Ask yourself, how does this reading connect with what we are studying?

» Is there a key question the reading will answer? If the reading has a question you must answer, read the question(s) first - they will guide you to focus on the key points.

» Don’t be afraid to ask a teacher to explain the goal of the reading!

» Is it part of a class lesson? Ask yourself, how does this reading connect with what we are studying?

» Is there a key question the reading will answer? If the reading has a question you must answer, read the question(s) first - they will guide you to focus on the key points.

» Don’t be afraid to ask a teacher to explain the goal of the reading!

2. Focus on the Main Ideas

» Turn headings into questions. § Headings introduce sections; by

previewing headings, you can identify the main ideas each section will focus on.

» Turn your questions into main ideas.§ By reviewing the key questions you

created, you can develop a ‘preview’ of the material.

» Turn headings into questions. § Headings introduce sections; by

previewing headings, you can identify the main ideas each section will focus on.

» Turn your questions into main ideas.§ By reviewing the key questions you

created, you can develop a ‘preview’ of the material.

During Reading

Strategies

Reading with a focus

Note when you…» 1. Ask clarifying questions

These are Qs that you ask while reading, to understand it better.

If you read actively, Qs will “pop up” based on what you’re reading - who, what, where, when, and why are standard ones.

Perhaps something doesn’t make sense…

» 1. Ask clarifying questions These are Qs that you ask while reading, to understand it better.

If you read actively, Qs will “pop up” based on what you’re reading - who, what, where, when, and why are standard ones.

Perhaps something doesn’t make sense…

» 2. React to something you read

Often, as we read, details interest or surprise us, or evoke an emotion.

Noting these points helps keep us focused on the material.

» 2. React to something you read

Often, as we read, details interest or surprise us, or evoke an emotion.

Noting these points helps keep us focused on the material.

» 3. Make connections If there is a key question / main purpose for the reading, note details that connect with it.

Watch for information that answers any clarifying questions you asked.

Connect the information to what you already know, and personal experiences.

» 3. Make connections If there is a key question / main purpose for the reading, note details that connect with it.

Watch for information that answers any clarifying questions you asked.

Connect the information to what you already know, and personal experiences.

» 4. Form extension questions and ideas As you read, note ideas that strike you, thoughts that are inspired by what you read.

Perhaps the reading connects with an interest you have, or raises curiosity about a topic, or something you’d like to try…

» 4. Form extension questions and ideas As you read, note ideas that strike you, thoughts that are inspired by what you read.

Perhaps the reading connects with an interest you have, or raises curiosity about a topic, or something you’d like to try…

Remember:

» Good readers do these things naturally - it just takes practice.

» You won’t use all the strategies all the time. The key is to THINK about what you’re reading WHILE you read it.

» Good readers do these things naturally - it just takes practice.

» You won’t use all the strategies all the time. The key is to THINK about what you’re reading WHILE you read it.