FOCUS on the Essentials of Reading Instruction

Reading Response to supplemental pdf file: FOCUS on the Essentials of Reading Instruction.

 It was truly refreshing to read an article about reading texts aloud in a class setting. The grade of “F” awarded to the ineffective practice known as round robin or popcorn reading.  I am amazed at how, even today, this process is used quite extensively in middle schools. Or, at least, in the middle schools that I have been working in recently.

 Reading and comprehension need to go hand in hand. Assigning time for in class “silent” reading is a tricky format to adhere to as some students may use the time poorly. If offered time early in a class with the direction of Q&A after, there may be a higher success rate. However, there are some students that cannot read as quickly as others as well as those that have trouble with comprehension. 

I like the concept presented that it may be a sound idea to formulate questions prior to reading so students are actively engaged in generating good answers as they read the text.  Discussion will help assess comprehension and hopefully promote stronger reading skills.