The only way to gain more information and learn more is to ask questions. First and foremost, ask yourself the important question: "Do I understand what I am reading?" Then move on to more specific questions, such as: "What is going on in the story? Who is the main the character? What is the setting? What is going to happen next?"

Remember, good questions lead to good answers and improved comprehension.

Let's get focused!

Pay attention to what you are reading. If you do not understand what you have read or your concentration has been interrupted, GO BACK and re-read. Self-corrections and re-reading confusing passages lead to greater understanding and an increased comprehension rate.

TELL THE STORY IN YOUR OWN WORDS!

It is important to think about what you have read and put the information into your own words. After you have read a piece of literature, think about the meaning of what you have read and write a short summary in your own words. Using your own words and language will make the material you have learned more meaningful and relevant to you!

NOTE IMPORTANT VOCABULARY

While reading it is extremely important to identify important vocabulary. You must know the meaning of the words you are reading! Look for context clues in your reading in order to derive meaning of the word or words. It is also beneficial to note important vocabulary that is essential to the topic or subject you are reading about---even if you know the meaning! Remember- Knowing the meaning increases comprehension!!!

Draw Conclusions!

During and after reading, use written and/or visual cues to figure out the meaning that is not directly stated. You may need this information to simply construct meaning from the piece of literature or to answer comprehension questions. Remember, not every detail or fact is directly stated!

HIGHLIGHT AND ANNOTATE TEXT!

Annotating and highlighting text helps promote active and critical reading skills. Explain to yourself what the author means, identify literary devices, highlight important vocabulary, make personal connections, text to text connections, and formulate questions. Annotating and highlighting makes the reader become actively engaged with the text, and as a result, the text becomes more meaningful!

QUESTION THE AUTHOR!

Questioning the author is designed to encourage students to think beyond the words on the page and to consider the author's purpose for the selection and his or her success at communicating it.

Look at the author's purpose, his craft, his clarity, his organization. You should then evaluate whether the author has done a good job making his point. You should ask yourself these five questions:

What is the author trying to tell you?

Why is the author telling you that?

Does the author say it clearly?

How could the author have said things more clearly?

What would you say instead?

Preview the text BEFORE you READ!

Before you begin reading do these steps first:

Read the title - prepare your mind to study the subject.

Quickly scan the text for boldface headings and subheading.

Look for any graphics, charts, maps, diagrams, etc. They are there to make a point - don't miss them.

Notice the reading aids - italics, and boldface print show that something is important!

Activate your prior knowledge and make a personal connection to the text and/or content.

Establish the author’s purpose for the writing (Is the author writing to inform, persuade, question, etc?).

QUESTION

Create questions from your reading to help your mind think about the material.

Make predictions based on the title, summaries, boldface words, topic, etc.

Create as many questions as you can while reading. You also want to ask yourself: Do I understand what I am reading? Can I put this information in my own words?

Asking questions is always helpful!!!!!!!!!!

BE AN ACTIVE READER

As you read, look for the answers to the questions you wrote, and write the answers in your notes or in the margin.

Highlight important details, information, facts and vocabulary.

Continue to generate questions from the text and monitor your comprehension (Do I understand?).

REVIEW

It is important to review your notes and highlighting!

Look over what you have read and answer all of your questions.

Summarize the text in your OWN words.

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