Choose Appropriate Texts

• Nonfiction varies widely. Find what works for your students.rocket image by skyphoto from Fotolia.com
  
  Choosing nonfiction texts that are both age and subject appropriate is likely to be the biggest boost to improving comprehension. Nonfiction books range from biographies of famous women to newspaper articles, to instructions for building a rocket. Knowing your student's interests will help you find nonfiction appropriate to each individual.
  
  

Ask Questions

• Question your readers about the text.question mark image by Bram J. Meijer from Fotolia.com
  
  Encourage students to ask questions of themselves as they read. How does the text relate to them? Could they do what the text is describing? Does this text relate to another they've read? The more connections they can make to the text, the better their understanding.
  
  

Use Graphic Organizers

• Use Venn diagrams to help organize thoughts.Abstract Colorful circles diagram image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com
  
  As students are reading, have them write and draw graphs, Venn diagrams, flow charts and illustrations to go with their reading. Being able to reproduce the information in a different form will help them to further comprehend the text.
  
  

Demonstrate Techniques

• Show students what you do as you read.staffelei image by Ewe Degiampietro from Fotolia.com
  
  As you read aloud with your students, demonstrate techniques that build metacognition and understanding. Explain connections you can make to the text, review past steps and predict future steps. Stop and organize your thoughts aloud to model good reading processes.