• Do not read fast! Stop when you run into an unfamiliar word. Look it up! before reading on.

• Go back and read the sentence over to see if it makes sense now. Write down notes about main ideas or important parts or use sticky notes to mark the spot.

• Continue reading until you run into trouble again. Use sticky notes to write key ideas down.

• Often readers are not making connections to the ideas they are reading. If you try to think of something that is similar then you will comprehend what you read.

• Predict what will happen next or make a theory about the events and what is happening. A theory is a guess based on the facts. Write your theory down.

• See the story as a series of pictures or images that connect events so that the story becomes like a video of pictures in your head.

• Use text features like graphs and charts, or marginal notes to help you figure out the meaning of the text.
• Make sure you know Five Text Structures when reading non-fiction.

• Stop and write a comment or reflection after each paragraph or at the end of each page when the text is heavy and there are no picture clues.

• Try to figure out what the main or controlling idea of the reading is. Use a partner or peer to help when you are stuck.

• Look at the bold, italicized words marginal notes. These are usually key words and concepts. If you don't understand them ask a partner or the teacher.

• Ask yourself questions as you read. Use questions to highlight anything that is confusing. Use sticky notes so you will remember to ask someone later.

Remember

• Read to the end of a sentence, stop and think.
• Difficult words can be figured out if you sound the word out-find the smaller words inside the larger one.
• Use the dictionary/glossary/ Internet to help you find out something you are stuck on.