Caroline Elizabeth Hall
Partner Reading
Partner reading is fun to use in the classroom because children get to work together. It can be helpful to use the partner reading strategy as a "first read," before children are instructed to read the text independently.
To use this strategy, pair children together and provide each child with a copy of the book. While one reads the story, allow the other child to read along. Encourage children to help each other if their partner gets stuck on a word. If both partners are stuck, encourage them to use reading strategies that you have previously taught in class (ex. using context clues or the pictures on the page to help you read).
Sometimes when partner reading I use a game called "Read Around the Room." The teacher would put two copies of books or leveled readers to read in different parts of the room, allowing children to rotate after an allotted time. This can be fun for children to move about the classroom and read new material with their partner!
During Reading:
Story Maps
Story maps are a reading strategy to improve comprehension of a story that a child is reading independently or in a group. The map also helps students identify elements of a story in a clear, organized format.
If you are wanting students to summarize at the end of the story, this tool aids in the process because it requires them to pull out important parts or main ideas from the story that they are reading.
To start, discuss the main parts of the story with your students. Then, give them a blank story map to complete as they are reading independently or with a partner. It might be a good idea to allow them to complete the first story map with a partner so they can learn how to use this strategy!
Story maps can be completed as a whole group, small group, or individual activity.
It might be helpful for you to have story maps readily available in your classroom for students to use when reading independently.
Double-Entry Journals
Double-entry journals are my favorite strategy to use when reading! I always encourage students to journal because it is a reflective and individualized process.
I believe all of my students have important thoughts, questions, and ideas about concepts we learn in class and need a way to express themselves that they can feel connected to.
I like for students to keep a reading journal throughout the year so they can look back on their reflections and remember stories that they have read.
To start, draw two columns on the board for children to copy in their journals. The first column will be titled "Ideas from Text" and the second column will be titled "Connections/Reactions" (you can modify titles to fit the needs of your class).
Ask students to jot down quotes from the story along with page numbers (so they can reference later) and then write a reaction, question, connection, or reflection to the quote they chose.