Now that most students have completed the ISAT tests, Mrs. DeYoung has returned to teaching comprehension strategies to improve reading, listening, and thinking. Third grade students are reviewing summarizing and questioning. The fourth grade language group practiced using context cues to comprehend unfamiliar words. Fifth graders are completing listening labs on the computer to develop the ability to recall information and answer comprehension questions. Many of these students have recognized their need to have information repeated and to ask for clarification. Finally, students at Lakeview have been introduced to the INSERT strategy.
The INSERT strategy helps students to monitor their thinking as they read. Students use the following symbols to code the text:
check mark Author confirms what you already knew- "I knew that!"
- Contradicts what you thought- " I thought differently."
? Confuses you- "I don't understand this!"
+ New Information- "I didn't know that!"
Students can write the symbols in the margin of the reading passage (in pencil if it is a text book) or use the symbols while taking notes. This strategy will also help to prepare for class discussions and to check their own understanding of curricular content.
