Tag Archives: comprehension

More Reading Comprehension Instruction

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In one of my latest reading series articles, I began discussing reading comprehension instruction. There are several techniques that teachers and parents can use to strengthen a child’s reading comprehension skills. Some techniques already introduced include self monitoring, graphic organizers, and answering questions. In addition to these three, there are also several more. Creating questions: While some teachers ask students questions, other teachers instruct the children to create their own questions. Sometimes the students will create questions for themselves and sometimes they will create questions for other students to answer. By creating their own questions, students learn to tune in … Continue reading →

Literacy Series: So, Just What Is Literacy, Anyway?

If you’re looking for an answer to the question, “What is literacy?” you’re going to get different answers depending on who you’re talking to. The National Council of Teachers of English have a list of communicative competencies that they use to define literacy, and they have placed visual representation on that list, which would include being able to draw a picture of what you’ve just read. (I would really stink at that – I don’t draw.) In Scotland, they broaden the definition to include math, verbally expressing opinions, solve problems, and handle information. And yet in other areas, literacy is … Continue reading →

Literacy Series: A Changing Definition, A Greater Need for Comprehension

Just what exactly is the definition of literacy? Traditionally, it has been considered to be the ability to read, write, and use language. However, as time has passed, that definition has changed to encompass a more well-rounded understanding of language, to communicate and to comprehend. UNESCO said: “Literacy is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning to enable an individual to achieve his or her goals, to develop his or her knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in the wider society.” … Continue reading →

Holes in the Abstract: An Interview with Kyle

The following is an interview I had with my son Kyle, where I asked him questions about school and a book that he read recently. I wanted to demonstrate the difficulty that autistic children have with abstract thinking. Kyle is thirteen years old, and has autistic disorder. Abstract vs. Concrete Remember that abstract thinking involves predicting, forming an opinion, understanding emotions and motivations, etc. What is interesting to note is that when I ask Kyle a concrete question where I’m looking for a specific fact, he is able to answer it quickly and correctly. But when I ask an abstract … Continue reading →