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This month brings two reading comprehension strategies that are very much different. The first one is geared towards students who really don't like to read, but can still improve; the second, a multi-step approach that promises to eke out every bit of understanding for the reader. Comment below if you have any questions or suggestions to make these strategies even better. 3 READING TIPS (Reading, Discussion) Description: Because not every student is able or willing to spend time to improve their reading comprehension, 3 Reading Tips offers quick ways for even the most detached student to improve. These tips benefit students during reading by providing structure as well as increasing reading speed and comprehension. The greatest benefit is that it helps prevent students from disconnecting from lengthy reading material. Application: Use in any subject that incorporates reading. Process: Present the tips in a way that results in the apathetic reader becoming curious. Use “click-bait” style headlines like “3 Easy Ways to be a Better Reader, #2 Will Shock You!” Make sure the three tips appear easy to try with huge benefits: Tip #1-Skim, Skim, Skim: Do not assume students know how to skim text. Be prepared to share a mini lesson on the task. “Skimming is the process of skipping details, data, graphs, or other elaboration for the purpose of getting the main (big picture) idea or argument behind the text and preventing one to lose oneself within the details.” After skimming, instruct students to read the text again, paying closer attention to the details. Tip #2- BEP: Re-Read Beginning and End-Paragraphs: Tell students to read material. When finished, instruct them to quickly re-read the introductory first paragraph and the summarizing last paragraph. Explain that this provides an overview and ignites memory with little effort. Tip #3- Highlight Key Fragments: Based on the reading, ask students to highlight the most important bits of information, recommending three to five bits. Once finished, ask students to connect the information and make generalizations. Adapted: The 17 Best Engaging Reading Activities for High School (kidskonnect.com) PQ4R STRATEGY (Reading, Discussion, Collaboration, Feedback) Description: Similar to SQ3R, PQ4R, developed by Thomas and Robinson in 1972, is a reading comprehension strategy that is best used with older students. The key to success is to train students to use the procedure so that they can create metacognitive connections which will eventually lead to automatic use in all subjects. Application: Use PQ4R when students are required to comprehend and recall information at a deeper level. Process: Introduce the strategy as a way to improve scores on all assessments (College entrance exams, state exams, etc.) which require reading and responding. Reassure students that each time they employ the strategy, it will take less time. Post or provide a copy for each student:  Optional extension: Act as facilitator and form groups after the first complete use of the strategy. Provide ample time for students to discuss questions they created, reflections they used, and sections most difficult. Repeat strategy often in order for students to feel comfortable using it.
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