Reading Comprehension Strategies and Skills
Reading is more than just calling out words on a page. Reading involves the brain in understanding what is read, being able to explain the meaning and applying the information to real life. Many different things can be read such as paintings, music, people, texts, sculptures, etc. What is common in all types of reading is the use of reading strategies to unlock the meaning. Using reading strategies should be applied when reading any type of material.
Predict
Before reading, think about what the title might mean and how any illustrations might relate to the title. During reading, think about what you know so far to make predictions about what will happen next.
Question
Before, during, and after reading, ask yourself questions about what is happening. Your questions might be based on your prior knowledge or what you have read. During reading, see if any of your questions have been answered.
Monitor Comprehension and Clarify
Monitor your understanding during and after reading. Ask yourself if what you are reading makes sense. If it does not make sense, go back and re-read, read ahead, or use illustrations to help understanding. Sometimes, you may need to look up vocabulary words to help in understanding.
Infer
Many times in a text, the author will not directly state the meaning. This is especially true in fiction. You must infer or figure out the meaning based on information the author does give, and the information you already know.
Summarize and Synthesize
When understanding a text, you should be able to summarize what you have read by remembering the main ideas or most important parts. You should be able to do this in your own words. When synthesizing text, think about how all of the elements work together. This could be parts of the plot in fiction, or it could be text features in nonfiction. Summarize and synthasize during and after reading.
Visualize
Many people think visually. Imagine a story in your mind as if it were a movie. Visualize all of the details. Visualizing helps you understand what you have read.
Connect
Connect what is happening in the text to your own experiences. Are you familiar with the subject? Do you know someone like the characters?
Evaluate
During and after reading, think about what the text means to you. Did you learn what you wanted to learn? Do you disagree or agree with the view point of the author or of a character? Did you like the text?
Predict
Before reading, think about what the title might mean and how any illustrations might relate to the title. During reading, think about what you know so far to make predictions about what will happen next.
Question
Before, during, and after reading, ask yourself questions about what is happening. Your questions might be based on your prior knowledge or what you have read. During reading, see if any of your questions have been answered.
Monitor Comprehension and Clarify
Monitor your understanding during and after reading. Ask yourself if what you are reading makes sense. If it does not make sense, go back and re-read, read ahead, or use illustrations to help understanding. Sometimes, you may need to look up vocabulary words to help in understanding.
Infer
Many times in a text, the author will not directly state the meaning. This is especially true in fiction. You must infer or figure out the meaning based on information the author does give, and the information you already know.
Summarize and Synthesize
When understanding a text, you should be able to summarize what you have read by remembering the main ideas or most important parts. You should be able to do this in your own words. When synthesizing text, think about how all of the elements work together. This could be parts of the plot in fiction, or it could be text features in nonfiction. Summarize and synthasize during and after reading.
Visualize
Many people think visually. Imagine a story in your mind as if it were a movie. Visualize all of the details. Visualizing helps you understand what you have read.
Connect
Connect what is happening in the text to your own experiences. Are you familiar with the subject? Do you know someone like the characters?
Evaluate
During and after reading, think about what the text means to you. Did you learn what you wanted to learn? Do you disagree or agree with the view point of the author or of a character? Did you like the text?