Strategies for Understanding Nonfiction
Look at the Format:
__ read the headings
__ look at the illustrations
__ look for definitions in the margins
__ look for additional information in the margins
Start Understanding:
__ make connections to the headings (access prior knowledge)
__ make connections to the illustrations (access prior knowledge)
__ repeat to yourself the definitions of the words in margins (memorize)
__ make predictions based on what you have learned so far
Start Reading and Understanding:
__ read the first and last sentence of each paragraph
__ make connections to those sentences (access prior knowledge)
__ read the first paragraph and last paragraph of the passage or chapter
__ make predictions based on what you have learned so far
Collect Evidence:
__ make an outline or mind map using what you have learned so far
__ go back and carefully read each paragraph
__ collect evidence for the ideas or concepts in your outline
__ take notes, making sure you understand everything you write down
__ add diagrams or illustrations to help you memorize the evidence
If You Get Confused:
__ read on because often explanations come after confusing parts
__ if your confusion persists, go back to the point where the passage made sense
__ slow down as you read and pause after each sentence to review the information
__ make sure you understand the vocabulary
__ use the glossary in the book or a dictionary if you need to understand the words
__ ask yourself, “What does the author assume I already know?”
Analyze After Reading:
__ write a one-sentence summary of the main idea
__ think about how what you have learned relates to what you already knew
__ think about how what you have learned has changed how you see the world
__ think about the questions about the topic now in your mind
__ where could you find the answers to those questions?
__ read over your notes and repeat them to yourself
__ read over the headings in your outline and try to remember the evidence without reading your notes; check to see if you are correct
__ make a coloured diagram to summarize the information
[This page may be copied for use with students if the following credit is provided:
©2013 Sophie Rosen.]