Reading Comprehension The Tovani Way

Meaning is Constructed When You… Listen to the conversation in your head. Visualize a picture. Make connections to information. Ask questions that clarify. Paraphrase. Rephrase what it means. Pause when necessary to reflect. Substitute words that make things logical.

I don’t understand because I only … Recite words. Don’t visualize. Can’t make connections. Not enough meaning – only ask vocab questions. Don’t remember what you read- can’t paraphrase. Reread same lines over and over. Too many words you don’t know. Your inner voice takes over.

Two types of Voices Conversation voice Reciting voice

Conversation Voice Good voice Keeps you interested in material Makes connections Asks questions Makes opinions Talks back to text Remembers meaning

Reciting Voice Bad voice Makes you lose track Strays from text Forget what you’re reading Doesn’t Care

Fix it Up Strategies Make connections between the text and: – Your life – Your knowledge of the world – Another text  Make a prediction Stop and Think about what you have already read. Ask yourself a question and try to answer it.

Fix it Up Strategies Reflect in writing on what you have read. Visualize Use Print Conventions. Retell what you have read. Notice Patterns in text structure. Adjust your reading Rate: slow down or speed up.

Select a Strategy Then Reread. Rereading alone will not help you gain meaning. You must first select a strategy and then you will gain meaning.

What works to clear up Confusion Readers who are taught how to question the test can infer and clear up confusion better than those who simply decode words and accept ideas unchallenged.

I wonder… This little lead can help a student that is confused gain understanding. Sometimes the question can not be answered and other times, if you read on there will be an answer. Asking questions before, during and after reading leads to comprehension.

Inferences or Opinions Opinions can not be reinforced Inferences must include factual evidence from the text as support as well as personal experiences.

Model Strategies Use short high interest pieces of literature to teach strategies Practice, Practice, Practice

Why teach comprehension skills? Strategies are cross curricular Strategies overlap Fit nicely into Literature Circles Empowers students to be thinkers.