Reading Demonstration – Importance of Context in Comprehension
This reading demonstration was taken from Dimensions of Literacy, by Stephen B. Kucer (page. 142, Table 6.2). The purpose of the exercise is to help students examine their own reading process and strategies used to gain meaning. Use this as an opportunity to discuss and share out reading strategies used by your students and share you own.
Distribute the reading to students asking them to read it silently and note then note the following:
- Describe your experience reading the passage?
- Did you experience any breaks in comprehension? Where? Why?
- Other comments.
Reading Demonstration
| The Boys | Reading Behaviors and Reasons |
| The boys had been out all day long looking for game. Their arrows were nearly gone and some of the boys had broken the strings on their bows. So, they decided to stop hunting and sat down to rest under a large oak tree by a cool stream. Over at the edge of the wood they saw their friend, Henry, making a bow to a little girl with a bow in her hair who was walking down the road. She had tears in her dirty dress and also tears in her eyes. The girl gave Henry a note, which he brought over to the group of young hunters. Read to the boys, it caused great excitement. After a minute but rapid examination of their weapons, they ran down to the valley. Does were standing at the edge of the lake, making an excellent target. The boys watched for a minute, and then began to shoot. |
Students share experiences and teacher writes on board their responses to the following questions:
- What strategies did you use to improve your comprehension of this text?
- How can you apply what you have learned to future reading assignments?
Writing Assignment: Write one paragraph in response to the following writing prompt.
Writing Prompt: What strategies have you learned from this reading demonstration that you can apply to your future reading assignments?
Hi, I’ve been a professor of ESL at Yuba College since 2003. In that capacity, I teach our advanced writing courses and VESL-related courses; i.e., Computer Skills for ESL and English for Employment. Prior to Yuba College, I have lived and taught in The Czech Republic, Turkey, Kuwait, and England. My interests are sports such as skiing, hiking, biking, and traveling for long periods to anywhere I have not been.