Many methods and styles of teaching are successful within an integrated
language arts classroom. Children derive meaning from what they read by
using the new information found in the text and their own personal
expectations arising from both their experience and knowledge of their
world. In my classroom, children are being read to as I model and
share my own joy of reading. Students have periods of time to read and
share books and a time when they can respond to books. Readers talk to other
readers. I will provide ongoing reading strategies and skills instruction
within meaningful contexts as the students become competent readers. They
will develop the skills and strategies which support a life-long love of
reading.

The following are some of the reading strategies taught to enable my students
to become more proficient readers.

What do good readers do?

Use Prereading Strategies

1. Notice things on the cover
2. Read the title and author
3. Take a picture walk (look at pictures without reading text)
4. Make predictions

Use Reading Strategies (Help in figuring out words)

1. Look at the picture clues
2. Recognize sight words
3. Sound it out (Phonics)
4. Look for little words inside bigger words
5. Skip the word and read to the end of the sentence, then go back and fill
in a word that makes sense. Pay attention to the beginning and end sound.
Look at the middle sound as well.
6. Ask someone only after you have used all the above strategies. Encourage
your child to utilize the above strategies so that she/he does not rely on
anyone.

Use Comprehension Strategies (understanding the story)

1. Make predictions.
2. Ask questions.
3. Stop and say something about the story, character, etc.
4. Retell the previous chapter before you begin the new one. (BRIEFLY)
5. Reread when it does not make sense.

Respond After Reading

1. What is your favorite/least favorite part? Why?
2. Who is your favorite/least favorite character? Why?
3. What part reminds you of your life?
4. Does this book remind you of any other books you have read?
5. What was the problem and the solution?
6. Was there a lesson or message?
7. If you enjoyed the book, can we find more books by this author?