Reading/Comprehension Strategies...

1) Scan the story/book before you read.

2) a. Ask questions before you read...

What do you already know about the subject?

What do you want to learn?

What do you think is going to happen?

b. After you read...

How has my opinion changed about the subject if any?

What character do I most identify with? Why?

Does this book remind me about my real life experiences or other stories I’ve read? Which ones and how?

3) After reading each chapter, predict what is going to happen.

4) Summarize every so often, and at the conclusion, give as many details about characters and scenes as possible.

5) Become a part of the story (pretend you are one of the characters) and visualize the setting.

6) Read to your child, with your child, and have them read to you.

7) Reread if necessary.

8) Discuss the book/story with someone else who has read the story.

Writing tips: Students should...

1) Make a plan...

Outline, list. Include as many pertinent details as possible. Put those details in a logical order.

2) When they write...

Take care of one detail or idea at a time. (One idea per paragraph.)

Be conversational rather than listy.

3) The paper should have an identifiable format (essay, letter, directions), purpose, content supporting main idea, and language directed to a specific audience.