This video is from the publisher of our main reading comprehension textbook. It gives a clear introduction to the skill of identifying the main idea (the point) and the details (the support) of a text. Finding the point and support of a text is an essential reading comprehension skill.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie_EDER_lSw
Read nonfiction passages OUTSIDE OF CLASS and answer reading comprehension questions similar to those on the GED and other standardized tests.
I highly recommend this program for anyone who would like to work outside of class to improve reading skills. Even if your reading skill is fairly high now, the program can help you improve your ability to read complex texts closely, which is an essential skill for academics, employment, and life.
Sign up for ReadTheory with Distance Learning at the Hubbs Center. The Hubbs Center will then be able to count your time on this site as "contact" hours. This helps the Hubbs Center get the funding it needs to continue serving you and other adult learners!
Follow this link to sign up for ReadTheory (and any other Distance Learning program):
https://www.spps.org/Domain/11223
OR visit the Distance Learning Office: Room 1107 (in the Student Services area)
Monday: 12:00 - 6:00pm
Tuesday: 2:00 - 8:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Thursday: 8:30am - 4:00pm
Friday: 8:15 - 11:00am
You may also call or email any of the Distance Learning Staff.
Email: Ashley, Jessica, Adam, or George
Phone: (651) 744-7624
https://newsela.com/quickjoin/#/6P3AU4
Read online nonfiction articles about current events, history, science, and any more topics.
No pretest required. Just join our class using the link above, browse the articles, and choose something that interests you.
Take a quiz after you read an article. This will give you great practice for answering standardized test questions.
I will sometimes assign readings and quizzes from this site, but you may also explore it on your own.
You can adjust the reading level of the articles! I recommend starting at a fairly low level, do the quiz, and then challenge yourself by reading the same article again at a higher level. Ask me for advice about reading levels.
https://www.commonlit.org/en/register/student?class_code=GDBDJR
This is another excellent site for practicing reading skills online. Follow the link above to join the class.
I will assign readings for you to read online (at home or in class). Each passage has guiding questions that test your comprehension as you read. You can try multiple times to answer these questions, but you will not be able to continue with the passage until you get each guiding question correct.
When you finish reading, you will answer several multiple-choice questions. Most of these short tests include a question that requires a short, written response. All of this is done online. I provide feedback online.
You may also explore the site on your own and choose readings that interest you. Many of the readings will improve reading skills and increase your social studies and science background knowledge. They may also increase your fiction-reading skills.