PR-6218UK Reading for Success - Book 3

Comprehension
Comprehension – 1
What is reading without understanding? Reading is, first and foremost, a meaning-making process.
Without comprehension, reading is not reading.
• Purpose—Reading is about purpose. We read to locate information. We read for enjoyment. Good
readers know that the process of reading involves purpose.
• Thinking—Good readers think as they read. They concentrate on storyline and vocabulary and they
focus on making sense of text.
Why is comprehension instruction important?
Research suggests that instruction on comprehension strategies helps pupils become more purposeful,
active readers. They make use of prior knowledge to connect new information with information that is
already known as well as using visual images to form mental pictures that make written material more
meaningful. Effective instruction in this area involves the following:
1. Monitoring 4. Generating questions
2. Using graphic organisers 5. Recognising story structure
3. Answering questions 6. Summarising
1. Monitoring comprehension
There are many ways that pupils can monitor their own comprehension, including:
• identifying unfamiliar words
• identifying information that is not understood
• clarifying new understandings
• reviewing information featured in a text
• searching for clarifying information in a text.
Viewing sample
2. Graphic organisers
Graphic or semantic organisers are visual representations of concepts and ideas. These can be in the
form of maps, webs, clusters, charts or graphs. Graphic organisers assist readers with:
• identifying a purpose for reading
• organising thoughts about written information.
Reading for success 138 Prim-Ed Publishing – www.prim-ed.com