Strategy 5: Clarifying
During reading, children can struggle to make sense of the text. Proficient readers have a vast array of skills to repair and revise their comprehension once it breaks down. Explicit instruction in the comprehension strategy Monitoring Comprehension – Seeking Clarification involves equipping readers with that vast array of ways to actively repair any comprehension problems they may have. It involves assisting readers to become flexible, adaptive and independent in monitoring their understanding.
When the texts stops making sense it is vital that the reader acknowledges this and stops. The first step is to identify the issue impeding comprehension. Generally they fall into two categories:
WHY DO GOOD READERS CLARIFY?
Good readers monitor their comprehension during reading to ensure they are reading for meaning. They know when the text they are reading is making sense, when it is not making sense, what part does not make sense and whether or not the unclear part is critical to the overall understanding of the text.
Children make a ‘C’ sign to indicate they need something clarified. This could be a word, phrase or idea that is confusing and needs further explanation. Good readers make sure that what they are reading makes sense to them, and stop to clarify if not.
During reading, children can struggle to make sense of the text. Proficient readers have a vast array of skills to repair and revise their comprehension once it breaks down. Explicit instruction in the comprehension strategy Monitoring Comprehension – Seeking Clarification involves equipping readers with that vast array of ways to actively repair any comprehension problems they may have. It involves assisting readers to become flexible, adaptive and independent in monitoring their understanding.
When the texts stops making sense it is vital that the reader acknowledges this and stops. The first step is to identify the issue impeding comprehension. Generally they fall into two categories:
- There is a word/ phrase/ idea that is confusing me – I need it clarified.
- There is a word I cannot read/decode – I need this declunked.
WHY DO GOOD READERS CLARIFY?
Good readers monitor their comprehension during reading to ensure they are reading for meaning. They know when the text they are reading is making sense, when it is not making sense, what part does not make sense and whether or not the unclear part is critical to the overall understanding of the text.
Children make a ‘C’ sign to indicate they need something clarified. This could be a word, phrase or idea that is confusing and needs further explanation. Good readers make sure that what they are reading makes sense to them, and stop to clarify if not.
