Unlock Student Success: A Simple Strategy for Reading Comprehension!
Success is a journey, not a destination—especially in the classroom! One of the most essential skills a student can develop is the ability to articulate what they’ve learned through reading. Yet, the hardest part of this journey often lies in finding the courage to begin, the confidence to persevere, and the skills to truly understand the text. Remember, as long as you’re learning, you’ll never truly fail.
As Confucius wisely said, “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fail.”
Reading comprehension can be a challenge for students across all tiers (Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3). But fear not—I have a strategy that will engage both struggling and high-achieving students alike! This activity fosters collaboration and helps students produce work they can be proud of, all while tackling a subject many find intimidating.
Introducing Reading Squares!
I developed this visual and structured approach to help students respond to reading passages more effectively. Its simplicity makes it a go-to strategy for any educator looking to enhance reading comprehension. Let me guide you through it:
- Create Your Squares: Take a piece of paper and divide it into four sections.
- Label Each Section: Write the following headings—Think, Feel, Visualize, and Connect.
- Fill in the Phrases: Under each heading, provide these prompts:
- When I read “____,” it made me think…
- When I read “____,” it made me feel…
- When I read “____,” it made me picture…
- So this reminds me of… (Book, Movie, TV show, Historical Event)—Make a list with your class beforehand for reference.
As you guide your students through the first reading passage, model your expectations for their responses. I typically assess their work with a simple system: Check (80%), Check Plus (90%), and Check Minus (70%).
Over the years, I’ve adapted this strategy into a digital format using tools like Jamboard (FigJam) or Google Drawings. You can even encourage students to type a paragraph for each square using Google Slides! The digital version is particularly engaging for tech-savvy students, allowing them to showcase their computer skills once they’ve created their content.
If you’re interested in purchasing the strategy and joining a connected Professional Learning Community, feel free to reach out to me via email.
At Teaching with Temprano, our mission is to collaborate, educate, inspire, and provide practical ELA strategies. Join us on this journey to unlock the full potential of your students!
Teaching with Temprano is an Educational Consulting company whose sole purpose is to collaborate, educate, inspire, and provide real-world ELA strategies and lessons you could use tomorrow with your students. Districts that wish to hire me for PLCs or PD workshops, email me at teachingwithtemprano@gmail.com
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