Reading in the Elementary Classroom Chapter Two: Passage ...

levels of comprehension is the Bloom’s Taxonomy levels of questioning which reflects a
more sophisticated parsing of comprehension into six levels.
Three-fold View of Comprehension
While teaching reading in the elementary classroom, it can be difficult to hold the six
levels of Bloom’s taxonomy in one’s mind and ensure that, as an instructor, each child is
being asked to reflect on meaning at each of these levels. Because of this, many elementary
classroom teachers find it easier to think of reading comprehension in three broad
categories: on the lines, between the lines, and beyond the lines.
On the Lines
“On the lines” comprehension reflects a person’s ability to recall the basic facts of a
passage. The basic facts of Luke 5:1-11 are that the fishermen had toiled all night and had
caught no fish, yet at Jesus’ command, they let down their nets and their nets were filled
with fish. Jesus used this event as a metaphor for a spiritual ministry.
Between the Lines
“Between the lines” comprehension reflects the reader’s ability to make inferences.
For example, one might infer from Luke 5 that Jesus’ authority is over all and that He
wanted the fishermen to experience the abundance that came with direct obedience to the
master. Or, one might infer that Jesus wanted a visual illustration of the abundant “spiritual
catch” that awaited the disciples if they faithfully followed their calling. A reader could also
infer that believers can attempt to create their own abundance or success through hard work,
but must finally come to the realization that ultimately God is in control of success and all
the circumstances surrounding a person’s work.
Beyond the Lines
“Beyond the lines” comprehension reflects the ability of the reader to take the passage
beyond the text and to apply it in another context. For example, reading beyond the lines, a
reader might contemplate his or her ability to trust God during turbulent circumstances. A
reader might also apply concepts in this passage as they contemplate following God’s
© June Hetzel, Ph.D., 2000 Chapter Two: Passage Comprehension 4