TeachingReading Comprehension

…There is no try.”

“Do, or do not…

First…the Do Not

The one-size, fits-all, reading programs

Aliases: Basal, Core, Foundations, etc

Why should we avoid these?

Problems With Basal Reading Programs

Haphazard presentation of materials, genres, styles, etc

Failure to enrich vocabulary• Overly academic• No bridges to other meanings

Too many strategies = shallow instruction

Lack of connection with the text

Errors in context

Lack of Release of Responsibility over time

What should you do?Start: Enrich & practice vocabulary

Synonyms (bubble maps & tree maps)Usages & Contexts (tender & present)Avoid “Rules” (two-vowels, “i” before “e”, etc)The Gallagher effect

Example: “ghoti”Enough

WomenCaution

fi

sh

Next: Teach outside the box & make words fun

This also explains why English can be challenging to teach and learn

Next Steps:Teach “infer” & create background knowledge

Final Thoughts?Questions?

Digital Presentation

Reading Comprehension:

A Poetic Exploration

Produced for free at GoAnimateKen Kosko READ 4534 4-17-2013