Reading for Comprehension – Finding the Main Idea
The main idea is the primary concept of a sentence and represents what the author is trying to say. Identifying main ideas, and working out the relationship between them and the supporting details, is the basis of reading comprehension. Recognizing the main idea is an important skill young readers need to master in order to […]
Learn MoreGood-Bye Classroom, Hello Summer Reading
As with all good things, this school year is coming to an end. Teachers are busy making sure that students can pull together everything they’ ve learned about reading this year. Young readers need to feel con dent enough to continue reading and writing, on their own, all summer long. Before you send your students […]
Learn MoreTeachers and Parents Can Team Up to Stop the Summer Slide
Summer learning loss is a perennial problem for educators. Current research suggests that over the summer break, students can lose up to 2-3 months of their reading ability It’s what educators refer to as the “ summer slide. ” The backward loss is most pronounced when children aren’t actively engaged in any educational activities. Disadvantaged […]
Learn MoreUsing “Small Moments” to Teach Writing
It’s almost spring and time to start thinking about planting seeds for a summer garden. In the same way that a tiny seed, properly planted and nurtured, will grow into a big plant, young writers can be taught to use a “ small moment ” from their own lives and develop it into a story. […]
Learn MoreIndependent Reading is an Important Component of Becoming a Fluent Reader
The most critical skill for success in school, or in life for that matter, is the ability to read well. And how do beginning readers become proficient readers? Children learn decoding and comprehension strategies from teacher modeling and guided practice. They practice what they’ve learned during independent reading time. And they only become proficient readers […]
Learn MoreUsing the Gradual Release of Responsibility Model to Help Struggling Young Readers
February is often the time of year when some young readers begin to slow in their reading progress. The language in the text is becoming harder. There are more unfamiliar words to decode and less picture support. It seems they’re getting stuck on even the easiest high frequency words which makes you wonder if they […]
Learn MoreRereading as a Powerful Instructional Tool
Rereading favorite books is a great way for young learners to get back into reading as they return from holiday vacation. While we’re taking stock of everything that’s been learned so far this year, we can reinforce reading knowledge by providing opportunities for students to reread books that were favorites before vacation. Rereading a cherished […]
Learn MoreDeveloping Fluent Readers
Fluent readers think about what they’re reading, while they’re reading. They’re able to read with speed, accuracy, and proper expression. Less fluent readers must focus their attention on figuring out individual words, leaving little room for actually understanding the text. The goal of all reading is comprehension, that is, constructing meaning from the text. Reading […]
Learn MoreBe a Detective: Can you find the words you already know?
Being able to find things is an important skill for everybody. Sometimes a young reader needs to be a bit of a detective and hunt for words they already know while they’re reading. This behavior is called Locating Known Words. Dr. Marie Clay called these known words “ islands of certainty in text. ” (Clay, […]
Learn MoreDirectional Movement as a Component of Early Reading and Writing Behaviors
It’s several weeks into the school year. Students are settling in, but many young learners still feel confused and overwhelmed. Some will need to be gently reminded what to do. Others will need help following directions. Remember that when teaching children the behaviors that make classroom life run smoothly, a gradual release of responsibility works […]
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