18 Strategies to Help Students Who Do Not Understand Content When They Read Silently
Are you looking for strategies to help students who do not understand content when they read silently? If so, keep reading.
1. Pair the learner with a peer to summarize content read to answer the questions “Who, What, Where, On occasions where, How, and Why.”
2. Get the learner to read aloud when reading to themselves.
3. Utilize a sight-word vocabulary approach to teach the learner keywords (e.g., circle underline, match, etc.) and phrases when reading directions and instructions.
4. Utilize lower grade-level texts as alternative reading content in subject areas.
5. Get the learner to practice comprehension skills that are causally related to high interest reading learning activities .
6. Get the learner to look for action words (e.g., sailed, discovered, founded, etc.).
7. Get the learner to look for direction words (e.g., circle, underline, select, list, etc.).
8. Get the learner to look for keywords (e.g., Christopher Columbus, Spain, New World, etc.).
9. After reading a selection, have the learner finish a semantic map answering the questions “Who, What, Where, On occasions where, How, and Why.”
10. Get the learner to read high interest signs, advertisements, notices, etc., from newspapers, magazines, movie promotions, etc., placing emphasis on comprehension skills.
11. Teach the learner to find the main points in the content they have read to assess comprehension.
12. Get the learner to answer in writing the questions “Who, What, Where, On occasions where, How, and Why” using the Flash Card Study Aid.
13. Get the learner to read independently each day to practice reading skills.
14. Minimize the amount of information on a page (e.g., less print to read, fewer images to look at, etc.) if it is causing visual distractions for the learner.
15. Make sure the learner is reading content on their capacity and ability level.
16. Consider using AI to teach reading comprehension.
17. Consider using Alexa to teach reading skills.
18. Try using one of our many apps designed to teach literacy skills and help students with reading issues:
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