Language Arts/English Curriculum Frameworks - Albemarle County ...

Comprehension instruction begins in Kindergarten with Direct Listening – Thinking Activities (DLTA).
Here, the teacher guides children through prediction, confirmation, and modification of predictions and
through rich discussion of stories read aloud. Beginning this process in Kindergarten is vital to
demonstrating to children how skilled readers focus and gain meaning from text.
Comprehension is a social experience for readers. Meaning occurs through making connections with
personal experiences and engaging in conversations with other readers about common reading.
Consequently, readers must have experiences in school such as guided reading or literature circles where
a common book has been read and meaningfully discussed.
Reading Comprehension Framework: Before, During, and After
Before reading activities are designed to activate prior knowledge, to prepare students to read.
Through these activities students become more adept at linking their prior experiences with new material.
In addition, students set a purpose for reading and make predictions about content.
During reading activities are designed to keep students actively engaged in the meaning making
process. This involves teaching students to monitor their comprehension and to adjust their reading
strategies as needed.
© ASPIRE K-12, Albemarle County Public Schools, 2003
Appendix B
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