A different approach to reading/response assignments

Countless assignments in school ask children to read a passage and then answer related questions. And most students do exactly that: they read, then answer questions. However, one effective way to encourage thorough engagement in the reading process is to have students read their “comprehension questions” first. This allows them to process what will be expected of them once they’ve completed a reading. It also helps them to keep certain goals in mind as they work, and to self-monitor their progress toward reaching those goals. Students can also highlight or circle keywords in their questions, then track those keywords while they read. In this way, a simple shift in the order of their process opens up many opportunities to improve their reading, comprehension, and reading-based written work.