Read+Around+the+Text

**Read Around the Text**

**Content** This stratgey works well for reading comprehension. This strategy would be an excellent one to use for pre-reading specifically.

**Grade Level** Middle School (5-8)

**Curriculum Standards** RLA.O.5.1.15 Students will increase the amount of independent reading to comprehend, analyze and evaluate literary text and informational text. RLA.O.7.1.4 Students will use pre-reading strategies (e.g., generating questions, previewing, activating and evaluation prior knowledge, scanning, skimming) and comprehension strategies to critically analyze and evaluate the composition of text by:
 * generalizing to establish a purpose for reading
 * interpreting the relationship between graphic aids and text
 * making complex or abstract predictions by synthesizing information gained from previewing text and graphic aids

**Description of Practices** Students are asked to look at a text and consider things around the text prior to reading the text itself. Students should serach around the text first and: 1. Look at the pictures. What ideas are being presented? 2. Look at the captions and read them. 3. Look at the maps, charts, and graphs. Discuss what information they present. 4. Look at the titles and headings. What the big idea? 5. Read the first and last lines of each paragraph for more information. 6. Ask questions. Give yourself a reason to read. This process will help build interest in the text as well as give insight to what big ideas the students needs to carry away from the text.

**Implementation Considerations** I could see this strategy used in a variety of settings. I think it would be great in a whole group setting or on an individual level. This strategy may also be one that may be reserved for the individual that is struggling to keep up with his or her peers as an individual activity that could be completed the day before a text is presented to help him or her stay on track.

**Example** An example of this strategy can be seen by clicking on the following link: []

**Citation** Goodman, A. (2005). The middle school high five; strategies can triumph. //Voices from the Middle//, //13//(2), 12-19. Read Around the Text