Understanding What they Read Understanding What You Read

Transitioning from frustrated, PASSIVE readers to interested, ACTIVE readers!

Comprehend Definition: The ability to understand. Synonyms: understand; grasp; know; get; perceive; discern Antonyms: misunderstand; not get; mistake; overlook

Learning from Textbooks Major part of Middle and High School experience Primary/secondary source documents! Material in these texts can be very hard to read and understand if you don’t know the right strategies to help. If you can’t understand the information in the text, you’ll struggle to understand in the course.

Tools to Help You Read Better! Research proves that struggling readers can learn strategies to help. Even strong readers can learn strategies to improve speed, accuracy, and understanding.

6 Structures of Informational Text Descriptive Chronological Sequential Compare/Contrast Cause & Effect Problem - Solution

Concept Map Descriptive WEB

Description of Abraham Lincoln Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States of America, the leader who successfully prosecuted the Civil War to preserve the nation. He played in key role in passage of the Thirteenth Amendment, which ended slavery in America. As the war was ending, Lincoln became the first U.S. president to be assassinated. Prior to his election as president in 1860, he had successful careers as a lawyer and politician in Illinois, serving several terms in the state legislature and one in the U.S. House of Representatives. He also holds the distinction of being the only U.S. president to receive a patent; in 1849, he designed a system for lifting riverboats off sandbars. http://www.historynet.com/abraham-lincoln “In temper he was Earnest, yet controlled, frank, yet sufficiently guarded, patient, yet energetic, forgiving, yet just to himself; generous yet firm,” wrote J. T. Duryea of the U.S. Christian Commission, which met frequently with President Abraha Lincoln. “His conscience was the strongest element of his nature. His affections were tender & warm. His whole nature was simple and sincere – he was pure, and then was himself.”1 http://www.abrahamlincolnsclassroom.org/abraham-lincoln-in-depth/abraham-lincolns-personality/

Concept Map Sequence

Concept Map Venn Diagram Compare & Contrast

Concept Map Cause & Effect

Concept Map Problem & Solution

While We Read! Key words associated with specific text structures?

Key Words Associated With Text Structures Enumeration Time Frame Compare & Contrast Cause/Effect Prob/Solution to begin on (a specific date) however because first not long after but since secondly now as well as therefore next as on one hand/on the other hand consequently then before not only/but also as a result finally after either/or leads to most important when while nevertheless also following although accordingly in fact soon unless if/then for instance later similarly thus for example finally yet thereby

While We Read! Summarize the text. Stop and restate the main ideas/points in your own words (orally or in writing).

Great Non-Fiction Reads!!!

Primary Source Documents A document or physical object which was written or created during the time period under study. These sources were present during the event and offer an inside view. Some types of primary sources include: ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS: Diaries, speeches, manuscripts, letters, interviews, news film footage, autobiographies, official records  CREATIVE WORKS: Poetry, drama, novels, music, art  RELICS OR ARTIFACTS: Pottery, furniture, clothing, buildings Examples of primary sources include: Diary of Anne Frank The U.S. Constitution A journal article reporting NEW research or findings  Weavings and pottery - Native American history 

Primary Sources https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFcbpGK9_aw

Secondary Source Documents A secondary source interprets and analyzes primary sources. These sources are one or more steps removed from the event. Secondary sources may have pictures, quotes or graphics of primary sources in them. Some types of secondary sources include: PUBLICATIONS: Textbooks, magazine articles, histories, criticisms, commentaries, encyclopedias  A journal/magazine article which interprets or reviews previous findings  A history textbook  A book about the effects of WWI  A biography

Secondary Sources https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ank52Zi_S0