Successful Reading Successful Reading PracticePractice

For Struggling Readers in For Struggling Readers in Elementary GradesElementary Grades

Struggling ReadersStruggling Readers

• May read several levels below grade and might be emergent readers

• Don’t like to read and lack confidence

• May have limited vocabulary and difficulty comprehending

• Need your active support

Guide to Appropriate BooksGuide to Appropriate Books

• Find books struggling readers CAN and WANT to read

• Match ZPDs (if determined) and individual interests

• Provide short, low-level, but high-interest books and magazines

• Use AR BookGuide for searches

Help students succeedHelp students succeed

• Students MUST understand what they are reading– Scoring an average of 85% on quizzes shows

an appropriate level of comprehension– Tests written very close to readability level of

book

• Build confidence and accelerate growth by helping them average 90% or higher

Monitor Closely during Monitor Closely during Status-of-the-ClassStatus-of-the-Class

• Tap into students’ prior knowledge before they start a book

• Check comprehension as they read– Ask: what’s happening in your story now?

What do you think will happen next? Does this story make sense to you?

• Address comprehension issues BEFORE the student takes the quiz

Monitor with Key ReportsMonitor with Key Reports

• Check TOPS Reports after each quiz– Low score? Guide student to shorter book

next.

• Review Diagnostic Report weekly– Check average percent correct (the goal is

85%)– Watch for diagnostic codes

Provide InstructionProvide Instruction• DeKalb R.E.A.D.S. and Literacy

Collaborative strategies still work!– Teach phonemic awareness, phonics,

comprehension, and vocabulary skills– Think aloud to model key strategies

• Activate prior knowledge• Self-monitoring and fix-up• Making predictions and inferring

• Use the diagnostic reports to target necessary lessons

Engage in Reading ActivitiesEngage in Reading Activities

• Read aloud to build comprehension and interest in a wide variety of text (remember that tests must be read aloud, too)

• Use “Read With” and repeated oral reading to build vocabulary and fluency

• Organize book discussion groups– Each reader at own level– Books fit a common theme/skill

Motivate with Individual GoalsMotivate with Individual Goals

• Percent correct goal – 85% or higher

• Point goal – see goal setting chart but use professional judgment if it seems too high

• Book level goal – low end of ZPD

• Number of pages read goal

• Ensure it is a goal that can be reached and then celebrate when it is

Create a Classroom that Create a Classroom that Inspires ReadingInspires Reading

• Build shared excitement about reading• Establish a book-rich and word-rich environment• Provide opportunities for choice• Encourage the exchange of ideas• Offer appropriate incentives• Keep a properly maintained Reading Log on the

wall in poster form for reference

Ask Parents for HelpAsk Parents for Help

• Emphasize the importance of reading

• Structure homework time

• Plan “Read to” time

• Hold a regular family reading night/event

• Demonstrate for parents how to improve their child’s comprehension by asking questions and engaging them in literature

Creative Motivators for Goal-Creative Motivators for Goal-ReachersReachers

• Lead a book discussion• Tutor another struggling reader• Line leader for the day/week• Free seating choice at lunch• Create a graffiti wall for students to write

comments• Listen to music• Special privilege in computer lab