Lesson 3: Finding Strategies to enhance Reading Comprehension
Objective
Participants will learn about several strategies to increase students' comprehension of stories in guided reading groups.
Promoting Reading Comprehension in Guided Reading
Reading comprehension is and essential part of reading. Reading comprehension is when students have a concrete understanding of a text that they read and are bale to answer questions based on what they read.
Some types of questions may include:
-Who are the characters?
-What is the story about?
-What is the problem in the story?
-Where did the story take place?
-Were the characters able to find a solution to the problem? If so, what was it?
-How did the character act when presented with a problem?
-Why do you think the character acted the way they did?
These are just some examples of questions that could be asked to students to check their comprehension
Guided reading is a great time to test students as it give teachers the data they need to see if students are understanding what they are reading or if they are having difficulty with understanding.
Some strategies include:
-Ask students to retell what they have read using evidence from the text.
-Have the students do a character analysis of a main character.
-Have students write their own solutions or ending to the book.
-After reading, have students work on an independent writing response on the major plot of the story and why they think certain events happened.
-Give students the chance to make a real world connection to the story.
These strategies can help with improving reading comprehension because it makes them think about about the story. It is okay that students may have to go back to revisit the story to help them as well.
Activity
Reading the following short story. Once finished reading the text, come up with at least 3 reading comprehension questions that could be asked to go along with it. Provide question and answers, along with a sentence or two about why you think that question promotes deeper thinking about the text. Think about what tiype oof questions you would ask students in a small guided reading group and ways to challenge them to promote deeper thinking and understanding.
Friends Helping Friends
by Kelly Hashway
Jared put on his coat and backpack and walked out of school to catch his bus home. His backpack weighed him down with all the materials he needed to finish his science fair project this weekend. “Hey, Jared!” Carlos yelled, running up to him. “My dad’s running the park clean-up this weekend. Can you help out?” “Um…” Jared knew he didn’t have time to help, but he didn’t want to disappoint Carlos. “I guess I can.” “Great. Thanks!” Carlos said, waving goodbye. Jared stepped onto the bus and took his seat. He was going to have to stay up late tonight to work on his project so he could help Carlos in the morning. “Jared,” Chianne said, sitting down next to him. “I’ve been looking for you. I have to walk Mrs. Vanderhoof’s dogs this weekend. Do you think you could help me?” “Um…” Jared knew Mrs. Vanderhoof’s dogs had to be walked three times a day. How would he manage to fit that in on top of everything else? “I guess I can.” “Great!” Chianne waved goodbye as the bus pulled up to their stop. Jared’s backpack felt even heavier as he walked into the house and flopped down on the couch. “Rough day?” his mother asked. “More like rough weekend. I have to finish my science fair project, help Carlos with the park clean-up, and help Chianne walk Mrs. Vanderhoof’s dogs.” “Sounds like you agreed to too many things this weekend,” his mother said. “I know, but Carlos and Chianne are my friends. I couldn't say 'no' to them. I didn’t want to let them down.” Jared stared at his mom. “What should I do?” “I’m glad you want to help your friends, but you need to have time for your own things, too.” Jared knew she was right. “Maybe I can tell Carlos I can only help for two hours in the morning. And I can probably help Chianne walk Mrs. Vanderhoof’s dogs early in the morning, but not at lunchtime or in the evening.” Jared’s stomach flopped. “Mom, do you think they’ll get mad?” “They’re your friends. Tell them you need time to finish your science fair project. They’ll understand.” Jared nodded and got the phone. He told Carlos and Chianne the truth. As soon as he hung up, he turned to his mom. “They’re fine with it, and they both offered to help with my project, too.” “I knew it would work out,” Mom said. Jared smiled. “Yeah, because friends help each other out.”
Please submit you questions through email.
Please note: This story can be found on www.supeerteacherworksheet.com if you wish to use it in you classroom with your students. The website and reference is listed below. THis website has great short stories to teach reading comprehension.
Portfolio Page: Melissa Nelson
Course Home Page: Exploring Guided Reading in the Primary Grades
Second Lesson: Lesson 2: Guided Reading Strategies for Fluency and Accuracy
First Lesson: Lesson 1: What is Guided Reading?
References and Resources
Hashway, Kelly. (n.d). Friends Helping Friends. https://www.superteacherworksheets.com/reading-comp/3rd-friends-helping-friends_HELPI.pdf?up=1466611200