First-Draft Reading

Turn Headings or Titles into Questions Prior to Reading

By turning chapter titles and headings into questions, you provide students with a purpose when reading the text. Students will read the work searching for the answers to these questions. This task provides students with a focus during reading. Involve the whole class in brain-storming questions based on titles. Including students in the brainstorming motivates them to look for the answers, and encourages them to read more deeply.

Scoring Comprehension

Break a reading into several sections. Have students rate their understanding of each section of the text from l to 10, with 1 meaning “little or no understanding” and 10 as “thoroughly understand.” This activity will enable students to identify and focus on the sections they understand the least.

Sentence Starters

Gauge comprehension problems or help students focus by having students finish sentences starters you have given them. For example, you might have them complete these sentences:

• I don't understand...

• I noticed...

• I was reminded of...

• I think...

• I'd like to know...

• I'm not sure...

• The central issue(s) is(are)...

Students can then collaborate to share their thoughts and/or clear up confusion they may be having.