Teaching Methods
"Comprehension is essential to reading instruction. There are many purposes to reading but each links to thinking. Without thinking questioning and puzzling - reading becomes simply 'word calling'."
Think2Read comprehension instruction is based on the reciprocal reading model that teaches children how to explore the meaning of text together and for themselves.
- The teacher explains the comprehension strategies and repeatedly models the skills and discussion techniques that are central to the reciprocal comprehension process.
- Once these techniques are established - mixed ability or similar levelled groups are then able to explore text independently and meaningfully together.
- The meta-process and personal enquiry involved helps children to consciously process their thinking to deepen their understanding of the information on the page (words, pictures, concepts and the author’s message).
- These cross-curricular reading, writing, problem solving, speaking and listening skills are central to life-long learning.
What Will the Children Achieve?
Research has proved that students who demonstrate a wide range of metacognitive skills (such as those utilised in the Think2Read teaching approach):- have a greater enjoyment of learning and group interaction, perform better at exam level and complete work more efficiently,
- achieve an understanding of the process of ‘comprehending’ and enquiry,
- learn how to think analytically, practically and creatively to support greater reasoning, meaning and enjoyment of reading and learning in general,
- become self-regulated learners who know how to choose the 'right tool for the job' based on awareness of strategy effectiveness,
- become more aware of their own strengths and weaknesses, the nature of the task at hand, and how to use the "tools" and skills they have acquired in a variety of ways across a range of learning opportunities.
