We then spent some time reading magazine articles, giving the students the opportunity to tacking tough texts while thinking about the things that help them create meaning. Students' reading was guided by 3 things to notice: what in the text confuses you? what in the text surprises you? what in the text changes/challenges/confirms your thinking. This framework helps readers stay engaged and focused.
At least once, a magazine article led to lots of questions and interesting discussion about words and world knowledge. I explained to students that I normally want to keep us focused on the lesson or content I had planned. But there will be times, when one of these discussions is just as valuable. So much of reading comprehension depends on background knowledge, so anything I can do to build that knowledge for students will help them with their reading.
What can you do?
Have the same discussions. Encourage questions. Let them hear/see at least some news so they know what is going on in the world and can ask questions. Tell stories about your past, your family history, places your have been.
