Are you looking for strategies to help students who do not understand content when they read silently? If so, keep reading.
1. Pair the student with a peer to summarize content read to answer the questions “Who, What, Where, On occasions where, How, and Why.”
2. Get the student to read aloud when reading to themselves.
3. Utilize a sight-word vocabulary approach to teach the student 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 student to practice comprehension skills that are causally related to high interest reading learning activities .
6. Get the student to look for action words (e.g., sailed, discovered, founded, etc.).
7. Get the student to look for direction words (e.g., circle, underline, select, list, etc.).
8. Get the student to look for keywords (e.g., Christopher Columbus, Spain, New World, etc.).
9. After reading a selection, have the student finish a semantic map answering the questions “Who, What, Where, On occasions where, How, and Why.”
10. Get the student to read high interest signs, advertisements, notices, etc., from newspapers, magazines, movie promotions, etc., placing emphasis on comprehension skills.
11. Teach the student to find the main points in the content they have read to assess comprehension.
12. Get the student to answer in writing the questions “Who, What, Where, On occasions where, How, and Why” using the Flash Card Study Aid.
13. Get the student 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 student.
15. Make sure the student 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:
10 Apps That Teach Your Child to Read
7 Must-Have Apps to Make Learners Love Reading
7 Must-Have Phonics Apps and Tools
9 Reading Apps and Tools for the Elementary Classroom
The Tech Edvocate’s List of 24 Literacy Apps, Tools & Resources
