One way to build a child's reading comprehension is through "think-alouds". Basically, a think-aloud involves having the child read a selection and then think out loud about its content. There are many ways they can think-aloud:
*summarize or paraphrase the text
*make inferences
*locate important information
*determine understanding
*interpretation of meaning
Evidence supports the ability of mature/skilled readers ability to demonstrate these skills. Inversely, struggling readers have a harder time with these skills. The goal of a think-aloud is to build relationships with the ideas. Initially, think-alouds should be used for readers that have background knowledge of the concepts (dinosaurs, trains, ballerinas, etc.). Is it possible for a child with underused or absent think-aloud skills to excel in reading? Absolutely! However, it is another tool to be used for struggling readers.
I will be including think-alouds in my individual reading assessments.
No comments:
Post a Comment