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        COMPREHEND WHAT IS READ

      When a seventh grader was asked what she thought about as she read, she responded: "Oh, I don't think when I read." (Lipson & Wilson, 1997.)

How do you get students to think as they read?

STRATEGY #1.  SQR3

(Rating: Ease=*****, Research Support=***, Effectiveness=***, Motivation=***

STRATEGY #2.  Questions to ask as students read:  

(Rating: Ease=*****   Research=***** Effectiveness=*****)

STRATEGY #1.  SQR3 

(Rating: Ease=*****, Research Support=***, Effectiveness=***, Motivation=***

  S=Survey the assignment before you read! Check the title, heading, pictures, bold.

Q=Question.  Have a reason for reading the assignment. Think of a question before you read.

Example:  Why am I reading this assignment?

R=Read.  Read the assignment.  As you read, keep in mind your question, or purpose

R=Review.  Review the assignment.  Reread parts you did not understand.  Try to answer the original question.

R=Recite.  Discuss the assignment with others.  Think of new ideas and link them to what you already know.

Rating of strategy:  Ease=****  Research=***  Effectiveness=***

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STRATEGY #2.  Questions to ask as students read:  

Rating of strategy: Ease=*****   Research=***** Effectiveness=*****

1.  How would you say that in your own words?

2.  What's the main point here?  Why is it important?

3.  What would be an example of this?

4.  How could you cluster, or map, the ideas so far?

5.  Are you finding answers to the purpose question?

6.  Where is this going next?

7.  Here's an unfamiliar word.  What does it seem to mean based on the way it is used here?

8.  Can you picture this in your mind?

9.  Does this make sense, according to your own experience?

 10. Can you trust this author's accuracy/authority/objectivity?

11. Reread that last part, more slowly this time.

12. Stop and think about that a minute. Do you get the larger picture? Skim ahead.

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