While watching TV, families and friends can actually teach the very same skills teachers use to develop reading comprehension. Plus, these skills can get individual attention that children might not receive in today’s busy classrooms. First though, it is important to understand that this process involves a parent literally sitting down and watching an acceptable TV program with the child. Be sure the program, often a sitcom, agrees with parent social standards for the child.    Here are some important comprehension skills that are easy to practice with TV: 1. Problem/Solution—Ask what problem the main character is facing and how s/he...

In this era of widespread social media bullying, consider giving students a subtle nudge toward mutual respect and class cooperation. We often think that behaviors follow attitudes, but the reverse can also be true. Mini prompts toward good relationships have the potential to have a great impact. When students are encouraged to find small qualities in their classmates, individual self- esteem and confidence improve, and class cooperation is boosted.

The texture can be familiar or different; each has its own special attraction.It pleases both the body and the soul.

Prior knowledge is MORE IMPORTANT than main idea, supporting details, cause/effect, predicting, clarifying, questioning, summarizing.--all skills that most reading teachers teach daily.

This research study* describes five types of “comprehenders” in a typical reading class. By analyzing which particular type your students might be, you can gain insight into how to help them improve their understanding of text.

And thanks also to our illiterate, immigrant grandparents, who had the courage to travel far and endure great prejudice, never to see their families or homeland again. We remember that we are the heirs of immigrants-- now teachers, doctors, lawyers, nurses, entrepreneurs-- all patriotic Americans, we salute them! And thanks, America! When you extend your hand to illiterate immigrants, it can make you great in many, many ways!