Comprehension
Comprehension involves constructing meaning that is reasonable and accurate by connecting what has been read to what the reader already knows and thinking about all of this information until it is understood. Comprehension is the final goal of reading instruction. While fluent decoding is an essential component of skilled reading, (Block & Pressley, 2002) it should be considered a prerequisite to strong comprehension rather than an end in itself.
Resources:
Instructional resources (sources of leveled stories, articles, poetry)
- Smithsonian Tween Tribune
- CommonLit
- Readworks
- Florida Center for Reading Research (Choose level on the left and scroll to “Comprehension” for activities)
- PALS - Assessment and Resource Library
Professional development
- A Blueprint for Reading Comprehension Instruction (video)
- Comprehension: Introduction | Reading Rockets (module)
Comprehension Strategies
- Reading Rockets Comprehension (scroll down and choose strategy focus, comprehension)
- Reciprocal Teaching | Classroom Strategies | Reading Rockets
- RAP paraphrasing strategy
Library resources
Each book below is available from our T/TAC lending library:
- Hennessy, N. L. (2021). The comprehension blueprint: Helping students make meaning from text. Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.
- McGregor, T. (2007). Comprehension connections: Bridges to strategic reading. Heinemann.
- Harvey, S. & Goudvis, A. (2000). Strategies that work: Teaching comprehension to enhance understanding. Stenhouse Publisher.
- Archer, A. (2011). Explicit Instruction. Guilford Press.