Module 3: Mock Memo From Reading Specialist

As a teacher, you must remember that the process of reading encompasses many different things. Processing begins with the eyes. The eyes look at the words on the pages, and the brain must process them in order to make meaning. The letter formation is formed into words, and then the reader is able to make meaning within the context. Teachers must remember that just because you have a fluent reader that is able to read words quickly, does not necessarily mean they are reading for meaning. Readers can be proficient, meaning that they can decode quickly while effectively making meaning.   In order for you to make the best readers, you must utilize a variety of reading strategies. Allow your students to read a variety of materials in order to increase their vocabularies and reading within multiple contexts. Ask questions while reading to help guide comprehension strategies. As they are reading allow them to make their own connections, and compare, contrast and analyze what is the text is saying.

While working with Erica during a guiding reading group, I would focus on questioning strategies in order to improve her reading comprehension. Have each child read together, while “whisper reading”. Once they are all finished reading they will have a discussion about what the text said. Use bloom’s taxonomy to vary the questioning strategies used during instruction, and to increase higher order thinking. By varying the questioning strategies they will soon answer and relate while reading on their own. As Erica’s teacher you must provide her with many reading strategies in order to make her a proficient reader. You must teach fluency strategies, comprehension strategies, as well as strategies that evolve readers. You must teach strategies such as picking out a book on her correct reading level, how to pick out a book that peaks the reader’s interests, and how to make their own connections. Through these strategies avid readers will soon evolve. They will take the newly learned strategies and soon they will be reading efficiently on their own, while making meaning of the text.