Comprehension

In the article “Comprehension Strategies for Early Readers”, I liked the example about making connections and the Velcro Theory. Explaining that it is easier to learn new things by sticking the new things you learn to things that are already know. Even in college I find that theory true when trying to learn a new definition or idea. I try to find things that are already in my brain to associate the new definition or idea to. Chapter 7 in the book provided some great examples to help children comprehend what they read, like Literate Conversations, Informational Text Lessons, and Think-Alouds.  At the elementary age children are so focused on the actual reading part and making sure that they read smoothly and pronounce the words correctly, that they forget to comprehend what they are reading.

I think the most important thing for teachers is to remember that is just as important for students to comprehend as it is to read. It is important to provide the students with work and assignments that lets them decipher the text, rather than go back and just find the answers without actually understanding what the texts is saying. I know for me that visualizing what I am reading plays a big part into what I am reading. It is best if the children think of what they are reading as a story. That is why I thought Visualizations and Mind Movies was such a great idea. The students can see the story visually and match the pictures up the words that they read. Overall, I think the articles I read provided me with some wonderful tools for comprehension, and explaining to my future students that it is more than just reading, it is also the act of understanding what you are reading. 

://crescent.rale.k12.wv.us/Webpage/comprehension.htm- MORE IDEAS!