Reading Comprehension: Strategies for Independent Learners

Rebecca Olness, Curriculum Connections -- School Library Journal, 3/3/2009

Reading Comprehension: Strategies for Independent Learners. 2nd ed. (Guilford Press, 2008)

Camille Blachowicz and Donna Ogle are leaders in comprehension research and this volume is chock-full of practical ideas and strategies for use in kindergarten through grade nine classrooms. The first half of the book focuses on what we know about comprehension and the characteristics of good readers, creating effective classrooms for instruction, and assessment. The remaining chapters provide strategies for comprehending fiction and informational texts, taking tests, and developing vocabulary. All strategies and examples are based on actual classroom observations and practices. There are also chapters on engaging in research and encouraging habits that create lifelong readers.

Each chapter is enhanced with graphic organizers, including the classic K-W-L (What I Know, What I Want to Know, and What I Want to Learn) developed by Ogle in 1986. Student samples, charts, rubrics, reproducibles, and checklists are also provided. Numerous suggestions for student responses are offered, such as writing and drawing activities, readers’ theater, choral reading, and pantomime. Literature discussion activities include book clubs, literature circles, and readers’ workshop. Accommodations and adaptations are given for varied student populations.

This second edition also offers the latest research on informational literacy, vocabulary development, and comprehending both print and electronic texts, as well as updates on federal initiatives. Veteran educators will find both familiar and new ideas and strategies to improve their teaching skills. Novice teachers will appreciate the plethora of information and techniques that will equip them with the best instructional practices for teaching reading comprehension.