The Comprehension Matrix: A Tool for Designing Comprehension Instruction states that comprehension is a process. Readers can use many different reading steps in order to comprehend what they are reading. The first step is prereading. This could be using previous knowledge, reviewing plot, etc. to better understand the purpose of what they are about to read. The next step is during reading. This could be making predictions about what will happen next, stopping to look up vocabulary words that the reader may not know, etc. The last step is post reading; things such as asking questions about the book, completing a project to summarize the story, etc.
Kindergartners Can Do It, Too! Comprehension Strategies for Early Readers has many different suggestions for teaching young children comprehension strategies. I think that many of these suggestions can be used in all grades. For example, questioning and "I wonders" could be used throughout elementary school for readers of all skill levels. These strategies could really help children to be good comprehensive readers throughout life.
I think both articles really encourage the idea of being intentional when teaching young children comprehension strategies.
Do you have any other ideas for intentional comprehension strategies to teach young readers?
I love your post, especially the picture of comprehension strategies. To answer your question, I found a great website full of comprehension strategies. The strategies are categorized according to the topics of: making connections, questioning, visualizing, inferring, determining importance, and synthesizing.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.busyteacherscafe.com/literacy/comprehension_strategies.html
Thanks for a great post, I think that when teachers use think-alouds with their students, comprehension strategies become more apparent. Check out my blog for some more comprehension strategies!
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