Introduction to Reading: The Reading Process Reading Strategies Prof. Shirley Santiago English 213

What is reading? Reading is a process. On the simplest level, it is the act of recognizing and understanding written or printed verbal symbols (that is, receiving and sorting out information from the printed word.) Making meaning

At this level, reading is: Decoding (Word Perception) + Comprehension Knowledge of: Vocabulary Sentence structure Subject matter

At a more complex and active level, reading involves: Reacting to the ideas presented by the author (based on your feelings and past experiences) Integrating new ideas into your personal perspective Applying these ideas to daily activities

The Reading Process Decoding (Word Perception) Comprehension Reaction to ideas Integration Application

As you become a more skillful reader, you will realize that reading: Has many purposes –Pleasure (to entertain) –Study (to inform) –General knowledge –Persuade –Convince Includes higher skills –Interpret –Summarize –Evaluate

Integration: On Reading Trash What do you consider trash to be? Read the selection. Focus on: – who the author is – his purpose for writing –the audience he is writing for.

Integration: On Reading Trash What is the central theme? (Bob Swift’s bottom line) “If you want kids to be omnivorous readers, let them read trash.”

Application: Reading Reaction #1 Answer questions #11 and #12. In addition, answer this question: Have you ever been influenced positively by reading trash? Explain and give concrete examples.

Application: Supplementary Readings Choose one of the following articles as your supplementary reading: How Comics Can Reach Reluctant Readers – TANT_READERS.htmhttp://bookshelf.diamondcomics.com/RELUC TANT_READERS.htm Battle of the Books – Improving the Reading Skills of Adolescents – htmlhttp:// html Reading Trash: A Confession – htmlhttp:// html

Application: Supplementary Reading After reading the article you chose, answer how the supplementary reading is related to the original reading and what your particular reaction is (what did you learn). Due: Wed., Feb Thurs., Feb. 1

Review: What is reading? On a more complex level, what does it involve? According to Swift, how can you become an omnivorous reader?

Integration: Stephen Covey and The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People Who is Stephen Covey? What is the purpose of his book? What is a habit? –A pattern of repeated behavior

Integration: Summary of The Seven Habits Habit 1: Be Proactive Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind COMMITMENT Habit 3: Put First Things First Habit 4: Think Win/Win CONCENTRATE

Integration: Summary of The Seven Habits Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood Habit 6: Synergize Habit 7: “Sharpen the Saw” BE ACTIVE

The 3 Habits of an Effective Reader 1.Commit to reading 2.Concentrate on your reading 3.Read actively

Habit 1: Commit to Reading Commitment is action Only YOU can improve your reading skills PRACTICE Have a goal in mind Have good habits

Habit 2: Concentrate on Your Reading Use strategies –BEFORE you begin reading –WHILE you are reading EFFECTIVE READING REQUIRES PREPARATION

Habit 3: Read Actively Understand and implement the process Employ a plan or strategy that will –Prepare you before reading –Improve comprehension while you read –Help you retain information and ideas –Allow you to fulfill your purpose for reading