What are some differentiated instruction lessons that can help improve reading?

Answer 1

There are several techniques and levels of differentiated instruction when teaching reading and comprehension. I always tell my students that anyone can read words, but what those words do to the mind is what helps a reader become engrossed in the story. How do we interpret the words and create visuals in our mind?

Some of the most effective ways to read longer stories/text are the following:

-Keep a reading journal or log. A reading journal or log can be used in a variety of ways — character charts, main ideas, themes, questions, etc. can be used for all levels. The lower level learners can be more simplistic by asking simple questions and making simple predictions, whereas the more advanced learners can delve deeper into such areas.

-Annotations. The most effective way to teach annotation to all learners is to use lots of color. Color coding helps students' brains decipher quickly between two or more areas of concentration. For example, unknown words or phrases that are difficult to understand can be highlighted in red. Main points, evidence, or characterization can also be color coded. Jot notes off to the side or keep in one's reading journal or log. The more advanced learners can keep detailed logs of characterization, themes/topics, main ideas, etc., whereas the lower level students can focus more on the colors and highlights.

-Motion picture. This does not mean watching a movie. It does mean creating a motion of the pictures the words one creates in his/her mind. In essence, we are creating our own movie of the words or scene on the screen in our mind. What do the characters look like? What are their mannerisms? What are the colors in the room/scene? What are the sounds? Even if the author does not give us these things, create them in our mind. This works well with lower level learners.