Teaching reading comprehension effectively involves a multi-step process. While various sources list slightly different strategies, a core set of six steps frequently appears:
Six Steps to Teaching Reading Comprehension Strategies
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Making Connections: Students learn to relate the text to their own experiences, prior knowledge, and other texts. This helps make the reading more relevant and memorable. Example: After reading about a character facing a difficult decision, students discuss times they faced similar choices.
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Asking Questions: Students are taught to generate questions before, during, and after reading. This active engagement improves focus and understanding. Example: Before reading, students predict what the story will be about and formulate questions to answer during the reading.
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Visualizing: Students create mental images of what they are reading. This improves recall and engagement. Example: Students draw pictures or describe the characters and setting after reading a section of the text.
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Determining Text Importance: Students learn to identify the main ideas, key details, and supporting information. This helps them understand the overall message and structure of the text. Example: Students create a graphic organizer outlining main points and supporting details.
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Making Inferences: Students learn to draw conclusions and make predictions based on textual evidence. This enhances critical thinking skills. Example: The teacher might ask: "What can you infer about the character's feelings based on their actions?"
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Synthesizing Information to Make New Thoughts: Students learn to combine information from various parts of the text to form new ideas and interpretations. This promotes deeper understanding and critical analysis. Example: Students discuss the overall themes of the story and how they relate to their own lives.
These six steps provide a robust framework for teaching comprehension strategies. Remember that modeling, guided practice, and independent application are crucial for effective implementation.
