Help with Reading Comprehension
Posted on 05. Apr, 2010 by admin in News
By Karina Richland, M.A., E.T.
For some students reading is just a frustrating, pointless exercise of reading words on a page. How can we teach our students to become active, engaged and competent readers? This is not something that comes naturally to most students. It is something that needs to be taught and practiced. Here are a few strategies and techniques teachers might use when teaching reading comprehension.
Build Background Knowledge
Before reading a text help the students build background knowledge. If the text is about the Himalayan Mountains, consider showing the students a visual representation of the terrain, landscape, etc. Ask them about the similarities and differences between the pictures they see and their own city and town. Building this background with information is critical in helping the students visualize what they are reading while they are reading it.
Teach the Student to Visualize as they Read
During the reading, stop and ask the students questions relating to the reading. Ask them what did they see while they were reading and what did it look like, sound like, etc. By asking questions during the reading you are giving the students a purpose for reading as well as focusing the student’s attention on what they are reading.
Use Graphic Organizers
During the reading, have the students use a graphic organizer to help set the visualization of the text. For example, they could compare two characters from the story and decide how they are similar and different using their organizer. This keeps the students engaged and active, as well as gives them a purpose as they are reading through the text.
Discuss the Reading both Verbally and Written
Once the students have completed the reading, it is important for the teacher to monitor each student to determine whether reinforcement is necessary. This can be accomplished through a variety of different activities – both orally and written.
• Create a story map with the student. Draw a vertical diagram with spaces for the students to fill in the names of the main characters, the story’s setting, and the main problem in the story, a few events, the resolution and the ending.
• Have the students retell the story or text in their own words.
• Write the words Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How on chart paper. Have the students answer these questions as they pertain to the story.
• Ask the students to draw parallels to what they have just read, and something they have read in the past.
A strong reader is not just someone who can read anything, read it fast and read it well. A strong reader is engaged and active in the reading. This reader therefore comprehends the text in many various skill levels. This is not something that usually comes naturally; this is something that needs to be taught. Motivate and guide your students through comprehension, make it fun, and make it lasting.
