Reading in the Content Areas Tim Collins, Ph.D. Fulbright Senior Scholar Taiwan, 2006-2007 National-Louis University, Chicago, USA
What Makes Reading Easy? How can we make a reading about the composition of the atmosphere interesting.
How about a picture?
How about a demonstration?
Steps in a Reading Lesson Prereading Reading Post-reading
Prereading Activate background knowledge (pictures, demonstration, elicitation) Preload vocabulary (picture dictionaries, real objects) Present a relevant reading skill. Present a relevant graphic literacy skill.
Preloading Vocabulary Picture Dictionaries Many picture dictionaries available.
Relevant Reading Skills Distinguishing main idea/detail. Distinguishing fact/opinion. Comparing and contrasting. Analysis Making inferences Drawing conclusions
Graphic Literacy Interpreting a pie chart
Reading Allow students time to read the selection. Use in-class reading
Post-Reading Checking Comprehension Comprehension Check (questions, drawings, graphic organizers) Reading Skill Check Graphic Literacy Check
Post-Reading Aiming Beyond the Book Extensions into the Real World Cooperative learning A lab
Possible Labs What happens if you put a mint plant in the jar with the candle, and later try to relight the candle? What is the effect of microgravity on a candle burning in a jar?