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ANALOGIES - Introduction to Analogies (Grades 4-6)
An analogy shows how different items go together or are similar in some way. In an analogy, the second set of objects is related to the first.
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CAUSE and EFFECT - Lesson (A) Primary (Grades 2-3)
A cause is a reason why something happens. An effect is a thing that happens. In this lesson, students will learn the difference between cause and effect.
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CAUSE and EFFECT - Lesson (B) Junior (Grades 4-6)
In this video, students will learn the relationship between a cause and its effect. The text is a brief biography about Dr. Martin Luther King. Students will learn how events in King's life led him to become one of the world's greatest advocates for peace and equality. In the video, students will be taught how to find a cause and determine its effect. Then, students will have the opportunity to find causes and effects by reading Pearl Harbor. This is one of the longer lessons in this category. It is recommended that students view this lesson a few times before trying the practice worksheet.
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CAUSE and EFFECT - Lesson (C) Intermediate (Grades 7-8)
In this video, students will learn the relationship between a cause and its effect. The text is a brief biography about Thomas Edison. Students will learn how events in Edison's life led him to become one of the world's greatest inventors. In the video, students will be taught how to find a cause and determine its effect. Then, students will have the opportunity to find causes and effects by reading a biography about Harriet Tubman. This is one of the longer lessons in this category. It is recommended that students view this lesson a few times before trying the practice worksheet.
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COMPARE and CONTRAST - Lesson (A) Introduction to Comparing and Contrasting (Grades 1-2)
In this introductory lesson, students will learn how to compare and contrast. They will learn that by comparing, they will show how things are the same. Then, they will learn that when they contrast, they will show how things are different. This is the first lesson in comparing and contrasting. It is a good start for all primary (grades 1-3) students.
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COMPARE AND CONTRAST - Lesson (B) Comparing and Contrasting (Grades 2-3)
In this video, students will learn how to compare and contrast information. Students are shown the techniques needed to sort information. The lesson will illustrate how to find information for one category at a time and then to find information for both categories. This video is best suited for students in grades 2-3 and it is suggested that an adult give assistance.
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COMPARE AND CONTRAST - Lesson (C) Comparing and Contrasting (Grades 4-6)
In this video, students will learn how to compare and contrast information. Students are shown the techniques needed to sort information. The lesson will illustrate how to find information for one category at a time and then to find information for both categories. Students are also taught to look for key words that indicate which category the information belongs.
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CONTEXT - Context Clues (Grades 1-3)
Students will learn that when they read, they sometimes come across a word that they don't know. This lesson teaches students how to figure out what unknown words mean from the 'context' (which means how the word is used in the sentence). Students are encouraged to 'guess' the meaning of the unknown word and try to substitute it with a word they know. If the new word can replace the unknown word, then students will have a better idea as to the meaning of the unknown word.
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DETERMINING IMPORTANCE - Lesson (A) Determining Important Information (Grades 2-3)
Students must learn how to sift through very important and less important information when reading. In this video lesson, students will learn how to use the 'Traffic Light Method' to determine important information. Students will learn how to identify and color code information based on importance.
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DETERMINING IMPORTANCE - Lesson (B) Determining Important Information (Grades 4-6)
Students must learn how to sift through very important and less important information when reading. In this video lesson, students will learn how to use the 'Traffic Light Method' to determine important information. Students will learn how to identify and color code information based on importance.
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FACT and OPINION - Lesson (A) Primary (Grades 1-3)
In this lesson, primary students will learn the difference between fact and opinion. They will understand that fact is based on something that can be proven or be true, whereas opinion is based on belief or personal thoughts. Students will then have the opportunity to read a passage and attempt to sort the text based on fact and opinion. This is one of the longer lessons in this category. It is recommended that students view this lesson a few times before trying the practice worksheet.
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FACT and OPINION - Lesson (B) Non-Fiction (Grades 4-6)
Students will learn that facts are supported by evidence while opinions are personal thoughts or beliefs. This lesson emphasizes the differences between fact and opinion. Students will read non-fiction text (which is predominantly factual) and be able to clearly 'pick out' the opinions. Students are taught to look for specific cues that will indicate a fact as opposed to an opinion.
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GENRES - Fiction or Nonfiction? (Grades 1-3)
In this video lesson, younger students will learn the difference between fiction and nonfiction text. Students will learn that fiction text is usually a story that is not true. They will see that text is fiction when it states that it is a 'story' or 'tale'. Primary students will also learn that nonfiction text tells about something that is true.
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INDEX - How to Read a Newspaper Index (Grades 4-6)
An index is a listing in a book or newspaper that tells where to find information. A newspaper index can usually be found on the front page. In this video, students will learn about the different sections of a newspaper and how to find information by using the index.
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INFERRING (Critical Thinking) - Lesson (A) Introduction to Inferring (All Grades)
Inferring is synonymous with 'thinking'. It is taking what is already known, obtaining clues and information, and understanding the theme and making predictions. This brief lesson introduces students to the reading strategy of inferring. Students will learn how to read text in order to 'think', 'infer', and 'guess'. It is best for adults to check for understanding after this lesson because the possible answers can vary a great deal.
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INFERRING (Critical Thinking) - Lesson (B) Primary (Grades 1-3)
This lesson introduces primary students to critical thinking, or inferring. This video teaches students how to think about what they are reading by saying, "I think...", "I'm guessing...", and "Maybe...". Students will first see how a teacher uses inferring skills, then they will be able to practice inferring independently at the end of the lesson.
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INFERRING (Critical Thinking) - Lesson (C) Junior (Grades 4-6)
This lesson introduces junior students to critical thinking, or inferring. This video teaches students how to think about what they are reading by saying, "I think...", "I'm guessing...", and "Maybe...". Inferring is essential for reading comprehension. Students will first see how a teacher uses inferring skills, then students will be able to practice inferring independently at the end of the lesson.
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MAIN IDEA - Main Idea and Details (Grades 1-3)
In this video, students will learn that when they are reading for information, they should look for the main idea and supporting details. This video will show students the techniques for finding the main idea and details. It is recommended that students practice these skills at home on a regular basis.
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MAKING CONNECTIONS - Lesson (A) Introduction to Making Connections (Primary or Junior)
This lesson introduces students to the reading comprehension strategy of 'making connections'. Both junior and primary students can benefit from watching this video. It is recommended that students watch this video regularly in order to remember to use this reading strategy when reading. Students understand what they are reading when they think about connections they make between the text, their lives, and the world.
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MAKING CONNECTIONS - Lesson (B) Primary (Grades 2-3)
Students will learn the 3 types of reading connections in this video lesson, text to text, text to self, and text to world. In this lesson, students will learn how to make connections in order to comprehend what they are presently reading. Making connections help readers make the text more meaningful by making it personal and expanding on background knowledge. This is one of the longer lessons in this category. It is recommended that students view this lesson a few times before trying the practice worksheet.
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MAKING CONNECTIONS - Lesson (C) Junior (Grades 4-6)
Students will learn the 3 types of reading connections in this video lesson, text to text, text to self, and text to world. In this lesson, students will learn how to make connections in order to comprehend what they are presently reading. Making connections help readers make the text more meaningful by making it personal and expanding on background knowledge. This is one of the longer lessons in this category. It is recommended that students view this lesson a few times before trying the practice worksheet.
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METAPHORS - Introduction to Metaphors (Grades 4-6)
A metaphor makes a comparison between two unlike things. A noun must be used in comparison. The words 'like' and 'as' are not used. In this video, students will understand the comparisons of two unlike things.
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PARAGRAPHS - Lesson (A) Reading a Paragraph (Grades 2-3)
A paragraph is a group of sentences about one main idea. Students will learn that the first sentence in a paragraph is the 'topic sentence'. This topic sentence states the 'main idea' of the paragraph. Students will also learn that the other sentences in the paragraph are 'supporting sentences' which support the main idea.
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PARAGRAPHS - Lesson (B) Reading a Paragraph (Grades 4-6)
A paragraph is a group of sentences about one main idea. Students will learn that the first sentence in a paragraph is the 'topic sentence'. This topic sentence states the 'main idea' of the paragraph. Students will also learn that the other sentences in the paragraph are 'supporting sentences' which support the main idea. This lesson is a continuation of the primary lesson on reading a paragraph.
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PARAGRAPHS - Lesson (C) Supporting Sentences (Grades 4-6)
The topic sentence gives the main idea of a paragraph. The supporting sentences give details about the main idea. Each supporting sentence must relate to the main idea. In this lesson, students will learn how to find supporting sentences and determine how they relate to the topic sentence.
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PREDICTING - Lesson (A) Introduction to Predicting (Grades 1-3)
Predicting is like guessing. In this lesson, students will learn how to predict the plot of a book from its cover. This video teaches students how to look at the cover and title in order to make a reasonable prediction about the story.
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PREDICTING - Lesson (B) Predicting Using Headings and Subheadings (Grades 4-6)
Students will learn to make predictions of an article by reading the heading and subheadings. First, students are taught to read the heading of an article to get an idea of what the topic is about. Second, students will be shown how to read the subheadings and use their background knowledge to determine the contents of the text.
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PREDICTING - Lesson (C) Using a Table of Contents to Predict (Grades 4-6)
In this lesson, students will learn that in order to predict, they must take their background knowledge and new information to gain a better understanding of what they are about to read. Students will learn how to read a table of contents to make predictions. This skill will enable students to use their background information to comprehend the text more effectively.
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PROBLEM AND SOLUTION - Finding the Problem and Solution (Grades 1-3)
This video lesson teaches students the reading strategies needed in order to find the problem and solution in a story. Students will learn that stories are about a main character with a 'problem'. The plot of the story shows how the main character solves the problem with a 'solution'. Have your child print off the worksheet, read the first story, then watch the video.
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QUESTIONING - Lesson (A) Introduction to Asking Questions (Grades 1-3)
Questioning is a reading strategy that keeps readers involved in their reading. When readers ask questions, they gain a better understanding and create meaning for their reading. This brief lesson introduces students to ask questions. Since there are so many possible questions that students can ask from the text, adults can help check student understanding in the worksheet.
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READING COMPREHENSION PRACTICE - Junior (4-6) - Lesson (A) Nonfiction - Tornadoes
In this lesson, students will practice their reading comprehension strategies focusing on 'determining importance'. The video will begin with a brief reminder of how to use reading strategies, especially the strategy of 'determining importance' in a nonfiction text. Students will read the text, answer the questions, and watch the last part of the video to take up the answers.
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READING COMPREHENSION PRACTICE - Junior (4-6) - Lesson (B) Fiction - The Checkers Player
In this lesson, students will practice their reading comprehension strategies focusing on 'making connections'. The video will begin with a brief reminder of how to use reading strategies, especially the strategy of 'making connections' in a fiction text. Students will read the text, answer the questions, and watch the last part of the video to take up the answers.
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READING COMPREHENSION PRACTICE - Junior (4-6) - Lesson (C) Nonfiction - Pandas
In this lesson, students will practice their reading comprehension strategies focusing on 'determining importance'. The video will begin with a brief reminder of how to use reading strategies, especially the strategy of 'determining importance' in a nonfiction text. Students will read the text, answer the questions, and watch the last part of the video to take up the answers.
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READING COMPREHENSION PRACTICE - Junior (4-6) - Lesson (D) Nonfiction - Cell Phones
In this lesson, students will practice their reading comprehension strategies focusing on inferring and asking questions. The video will begin with a brief reminder of how to use reading strategies, especially the strategy of inferring in a fiction text. Students will read the text, answer the questions, and watch the last part of the video to take up the answers.
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READING COMPREHENSION PRACTICE - Primary (1-3) - Lesson (A) Nonfiction - Seeds and Pits
In this lesson, students will practice their reading comprehension strategies focusing on 'determining importance'. The video will begin with a brief reminder of how to use reading strategies, especially the strategy of 'determining importance' in a nonfiction text. Students will read the text, answer the questions, and watch the last part of the video to take up the answers. This lesson is suited for grade 2 and 3 students. Grade 1 students should have adult assistance.
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READING COMPREHENSION PRACTICE - Primary (1-3) - Lesson (B) Fiction - Lion Mixup
In this lesson, students will practice their reading comprehension strategies focusing on 'making connections'. The video will begin with a brief reminder of how to use reading strategies, especially the strategy of 'making connections' in a fiction text. Students will read the text, answer the questions, and watch the last part of the video to take up the answers. This lesson is suited for grade 2 and 3 students. Grade 1 students should have adult assistance.
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READING COMPREHENSION PRACTICE - Primary (1-3) - Lesson (C) Nonfiction - Giraffes
In this lesson, students will practice their reading comprehension strategies focusing on 'determining importance'. The video will begin with a brief reminder of how to use reading strategies, especially the strategy of 'determining importance' in a nonfiction text. Students will read the text, answer the questions, and watch the last part of the video to take up the answers. This lesson is suited for grade 2 and 3 students. Grade 1 students should have adult assistance.
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READING COMPREHENSION PRACTICE - Primary (1-3) - Lesson (D) Fiction - My Friend
In this lesson, students will practice their reading comprehension strategies focusing on inferring and making connections. The video will begin with a brief reminder of how to use reading strategies, especially the strategy of inferring in a fiction text. Students will read the text, answer the questions, and watch the last part of the video to take up the answers. This lesson is suited for grade 2 and 3 students. Grade 1 students should have adult assistance.
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SIMILES - Introduction to Similes (Grades 4-6)
A simile is a comparison of two things that have something in common but are really very different. The words 'like' and 'as' are used in similes.
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SUMMARIZING and MAIN IDEA - Lesson (C) Intermediate (Grades 7-8)
In this lesson, students will learn how to take important information from text and rewrite it in their own words to form a summary. Then, students will take the summary and break it down even further by using the key elements to write the main idea in their own words. It is recommended to watch this video several times before completing the worksheet. This is one of the longer lessons in this category. It is recommended that students view this lesson a few times before trying the practice worksheet.
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SUMMARIZING and MAIN IDEA - Lesson (A) Primary (Grades 2-3)
In this lesson, students will learn how to take important facts from a story and retell the main events in their own words. Students will then learn how to write the main ideas from the retell. It is advised that students watch this video several times in order to follow the steps that are required for both retelling and finding the main idea. It is not an easy concept for young children. This is one of the longer lessons in this category. It is recommended that students view this lesson a few times before trying the practice worksheet.
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SUMMARIZING and MAIN IDEA - Lesson (B) Junior (Grades 4-6)
In this lesson, students will learn how to take important information from text and rewrite it in their own words to form a summary. Then, students will take the summary and break it down even further by using the key elements to write the main idea in their own words. It is recommended to watch this video several times before completing the worksheet. This is one of the longer lessons in this category. It is recommended that students view this lesson a few times before trying the practice worksheet.
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TOPIC SENTENCES - Lesson (A) Introduction to Topic Sentences (Grades 1-3)
This is a brief introdution to topic sentences. Younger students will learn that a paragraph has a main idea. The topic sentence tells us about the main idea in the paragraph. Topic sentences are usually the first sentence in a paragraph.
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TOPIC SENTENCES - Lesson (B) Topic Sentences and Details (Grades 4-6)
In most paragraphs, the main idea is actually stated in the paragraph as the 'topic sentence'. A topic sentence may be anywhere in a paragraph, but is usually either the first or last sentence in the paragraph (it can even be the second or second last sentence as well). All the other sentences are the details that support the topic sentence. In this video, students will learn how to find the topic sentence (i.e. main idea) and supporting detail sentences in a paragraph.
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VISUALIZATION - Introduction to Visualization (Grades 1-3)
Good readers create visual images in their minds based on the words they read. The mental pictures that readers create in their heads help improve thier comprehension. The worksheet in this video enables students to draw a representation of their visualizations from the text. Adults can determine the child's visualization skills based on the number of concepts and objects in the child's drawings that come from the text.
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