Comprehension

Questioning - Students are given cards with question words such as who, what, or where. In a small group, students come up with their own questions based on the important ideas in the text. Students can then attempt to answer the questions they created.

Visualizing - Students read a sentence or passage and then create a visual image in their mind. Students can practice using all of their senses to create their visualization. Students engage in discussions about what they have visualized with their peers.

Directed Reading Thinking Activity - Students are directed to investigate the title, chapter titles, illustrations and other materials in the reading. Students make predictions prior to reading. Next, students read to specific points in the reading and pause to answer questions and reflect on their predictions. Last, students go back through the text and think about the accuracy of their predictions using supporting details from the text.

Jigsaw - Students are placed in a group of various reading abilities. Each student is responsible for one section of the reading. Their job is to become an expert on that section and then teach their section to the rest of the group members. Each group member gets to be the teacher and all students learn from each other.

Selective Highlighting - Students read through a passage. Students then re-read the passage and highlight or underline key words, phrases and ideas to organize what they have read. Afterwards, students can read over the highlighted information and summarize the reading.