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What do readers do when they read?

PRE-READING: When readers first approach a reading task, they:

SET THE CONTEXT:

  • flip through and count the number of pages
  • note the type of text and how it is organized
  • look at the pictures, maps, graphs, charts
  • look at the title, headings, captions, italicized or bold words
  • look at the table of contents, index
  • look for key words

ACTIVATE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE:

  • think about what they already know about this topic
  • think about what experiences they have had with this topic
  • think about what questions they have or what they want to find out

SET PURPOSES FOR READING

  • think about why they are reading this material(for pleasure, to gain information, to get general meaning, to find particular details)
  • predict what this might be about

FIND THE MAIN IDEAS AND KEY POINTS

  • skim through the material quickly
  • look for key words and make sure they understand what they mean
  • read the first paragraph carefully
  • read the first sentence of each paragraph

ORAL & SILENT READING: When readers come to a word they can't read, they:

  • check the pictures, diagrams, captions for help
  • read the headings, subheadings for clues
  • check beginning sound
  • sound it out
  • look for a word part
  • skip it and read on
  • go back and reread
  • substitute another word
  • ask someone
  • look in a dictionary or thesaurus

When there Is a paragraph or section readers don't understand, they:

  • study any pictures, diagrams, captions, charts, graphs, maps
  • reread the headings, subheadings, bullets
  • reread the bold or italicized words
  • read the table of contents, index, chapter summaries
  • look for key words, and make sure they know what they mean
  • slow down
  • read on and see if it makes sense
  • summarize what they think it means
  • reread the first paragraph carefully
  • skim the first line of each paragraph
  • draw sketches, diagrams, labels to help make sense of the information
  • make jot notes, lists or webs of what they understand
  • ask someone to reread the section with them and discuss

 

COMPREHENDING: When readers show that they have understood what they have read, they:

RETELL:

  • state the main idea
  • identify the key concepts associated with the main idea
  • list the sequence of events
  • refer to the information in the text
  • point out details
  • describe significant parts
  • answer specific questions about content

RELATE:

  • make connections to personal experiences, books, movies,
  • issues, events, related topics
  • compare
  • contrast
  • give examples

REFLECT:

  • draw conclusions beyond the text
  • apply judgement to the text .
  • state opinions
  • share insights and new
  • understandings
  • ask relevant questions

 

SUMMARIZING / COMPREHENDING:

When you summarize and show that you have understood what you have read what can you do?

Retell:

Relate: .

Reflect: