Activities To Help Children Acquire &

Apply Strategies During Reading

• UNFOLD A STORY

Fold an 11x17 piece of paper in half lengthwise and cut three or four flaps in the paper. Tell children they are going to do something new when they listen to (or read) a story today. Explain that you will be stopping at different points in the story for them to make a prediction, or tell what they think will happen next. They will be drawing (or writing) their prediction on the front flap. Then they will write yes or no on the inside of the flap, depending on if their prediction really happened. This activity involves children in the story and reinforces the idea that predictions can be made during reading, based upon the unfolding events of the story.

• HAND ME A STORY

Model telling a story using your five fingers as the five story parts of most stories (characters, problem, attempted solutions, climax or solution that works, resolution). Have children use this model to retell stories. It can also be used as an organizer for writing stories.

From: Developing Comprehension in the Primary Grades, by Elaine M. Czarnecki, M. Ed. ©2001