Reading Strategies
Many years ago, in a country far far away (Japan), a colleague of mine by the name of Sandra Forrest introduced the staff to a number of strategies, than when taught to students, helped enhance their reading performance. Since then, I have been a strong believer in helping students unearth the scientific skills that befit a successful reader. Some of the language has been modified, but the strategies that I strongly believe in stem back to the work I did with Sandra at Seisen International School in Tokyo, Japan.
Reading Strategy #1MONITORING MEANINGGood readers know when they know a word and when they don't. When they encounter a new word, they effectively employ word attack strategies that allow them to create accurate meaning and understanding.
Reading Strategy #3DETERMINING IMPORTANCEAll details are not equally important in a story. Some are there to set the mood while others are vital to following the story line. Good readers know which details are worth remembering and which aren't.
Reading Strategy #5CONNECTINGFinding personal connections to stories is one of the main reasons people find reading such a fun and rewarding experience. Connections can also be made to other stories, movies and other media.
Reading Strategy #7VisualizingGood readers automatically formulate a picture of the story in their mind as they read. Drawing upon the descriptive details provided in the story, it is like the reader produces a movie in their mind of what this story would look like.
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READING STRATEGY #2summarizingGood readers are able to follow a story line and keep the events organized in their mind. They can summarize the events of a story by remembering and retelling important details. Knowing what details matter is key to being an effective summarizer of what you have read.
READING STRATEGY #4QuestioningAs good readers read, they ask questions about the story which will lead them to a deeper level of understanding. These questions aren't about the words the author uses, but rather they are about the story and the actions that occur in the story.
READING STRATEGY #6PredictingAs good readers navigate their way through a story, their mind predicts what actions will happen in the future. Good readers pick up on the clues to the future that author's sometimes lay down. This is definitely part of the fun of being a reader.
READING STRATEGY #8InferringSometimes, stories leave a reader wondering about something. Good readers will capitalize on these opportunities by drawing upon their knowledge of the story and provide an inference as to why a character behaved a certain way. It's filling in the blanks.
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