Practice Reading Strategies with TeachingBooks: Part 1

Prediction

Making and revising predictions based on new information helps readers mentally track how a plot unfolds. 

• Use the jigsaw puzzle feature and slowly build the book cover image. What might the story be about? What were the clues?

• Create and distribute a word search. Once students have completed it, ask them to make a prediction about the story based on the words included.

• Assign students to watch a video book trailer or read the Google Preview. Ask them to write down three predictions about the book. After reading, they can revisit their predictions.

Building background

Building background helps students draw on what they already know to provide context and develop understanding.

• Meet the author! Name pronunciations, videos, and interviews help build interest and provide background information.

• Explore picture books in a given subject area to find photos or illustrations so that students can visualize and understand a topic, era, or historical period. (Filter by Google Books Preview or Complete Book Readings.)

• Learn from each other with a jigsaw exercise! Each student can read a different interview with a single author and report back to the class.

Fluency

Fluency directly connects to comprehension. Provide fluency practice with resources that model pace, speed, and inflection.

• Follow along on a transcript while the audio plays.

• Choose a book reading. Listen and follow along with the text, then have choral readers read aloud.

• Reader’s theater scripts encourage repeated reading and engagement with the text. Read roles chorally to provide support to those with developing skills.

What’s working for you?

We’d love to hear how you’re using TeachingBooks resources in your classrooms and libraries! Leave your ideas in a comment below.