Meta-Cognition and Comprehension Strategies

Students need to be metacognitive or “aware of their thinking”.  In fact, this ability is imperative or nonnegotiable if a student is to be a successful reader.  We all have students who are “word callers”.  In fact, a few years ago, I would have called a student who read correctly and with a high level of prosody one of my best readers.  These students are so caught up in figuring out the code they forget they are reading a story. We all know “word callers” who do not know what they read a few seconds after finishing a passage.  How do we make student reading visible?  How do we help students to hold their thinking? Today, I am offering a couple of ideas for holding students’ thinking.

As adults, we may use a close reading technique and read a text several times in order to truly grasp what we are reading.  Students need to realize even adult readers read a text several times to pull out reading. This is what Close Reading looks like for a student.  As always, use gradual release and model this process and your thinking.

1. Scan the text for the main message, GIST, or main idea. Use text features such as headings, tables, illustrations, etc.
2. Read once again while annotating the text.  Highlight or use sticky notes to hold important details, thoughts, or questions.  For every highlight, student should have a reason they highlighted (important detail, new word, question, wondering, etc.). Reasons for highlighting may be written in margins or held on a separate piece of paper if reading online. This process aids in student metacognition or their thinking process.
3. Read one more time...yes, a third time.  Use a graphic organizer to hold thinking.  My favorite organizer is a double entry diary as shown below.  Student can easily make this in their reader’s notebook by drawing a line down the middle of the page. Headings may be personalized for your classroom or subject area.

Facts	My Thinking
Summary of text with original thoughts:

Or FQR strategy below…..

Facts	Questions	Response
Summary

Double/triple entry diary/graphic organizers taken and adjusted from Harvey & Goudvis, Strategies 
That Work, (2nd Ed). 

Thoughts and suggestions are appreciated.