Reading Strategies

Did you know that there are different types of reading? In other words, there are different ways to read certain types of written works. For instance, you may have to read directions on how to assemble a bicycle, fix a car, bake a cake, or complete an application for employment. You might choose to read a review of a movie before you purchase it. Maybe you will decide to catch up on a recent news story by reading the paper or an online news source. As you can see, reading is essential for finding out what you need or want to know; however, you may read each text a bit differently. By adapting your approach to different kinds of texts, you can make your reading more efficient. That is important, especially in the modern age of technology where so much information is easily available.

Search, Scan, and Skim

Perhaps without even realizing it, you have already learned to search, scan, and skim text by focusing on key words and phrases. For instance, do you read every word on a menu when ordering at a restaurant? Probably not. More than likely you either search for a certain type of food or you scan what the menu has on it to see if something grabs your interest.

In this interactivity, explore how to search, scan, and skim a text to enhance your reading skills and understanding of a text. Click the player button to begin.

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Annotation

Highlighting, underlining, writing notes -- these are all methods of annotation. Annotating a text allows you to be an active reader and interact with the text. It is a way for you to engage with the text, rather than passively reading the words. As you read, whether it is a poem, short story, essay, or even directions to a new phone, making notes of key parts can help you better remember and understand the text. In this course, you will annotate reading assignments to understand authors' uses of various literary elements, such as themes, characters, motifs, sound devices, mood, and irony, just to name a few.

In this interactivity, read the poem "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" by Langston Hughes. Click the NEXT button on the bottom of the player to advance to the next example of how you can use annotations to interact with a text and enhance your reading comprehension. Click the player button to begin.

Download a printable version of the interactivity above.

 

 

Reading Strategies Review

You have learned ways you can approach a text to better understand it and make your reading more efficient. Now, check your knowledge with the non-graded interactivity below. Identify how reading strategies can be used to help you better understand what you read. Click the player button to get started.