Reading Strategies Anchor Chart


reading anchor chart

Each year I teach my kindergartners a handful of reading strategies to help them figure out unknown words.  We usually co-create an anchor chart, and review, model, and practice the strategies over time.

This year is no different, except that I have decided to add a piece.  I made a mini-anchor chart for my students to keep in their book bags.  I have found in writing that if my students have tools right next to them, they are more likely to use them.  So I assume the same must go for reading.

I also notice around this time of year that many of my kids begin to “forget” the simplest reading strategies.  They are becoming very aware of print, letters, sounds, and words they know.  Students that used to use pictures and context clues stop using them in favor of struggling through words.  I want my kids to work on word solving, but I also want them to remember that the best readers use multiple strategies at the same time.  My hope is that if they have an anchor chart next to them while they read, they will be more likely to utilize more strategies regularly.

Here are the strategies I teach:

1. Look at the picture.

2. Get your mouth ready (by looking at the first letter and making that letter sound.)

3. Ask yourself, “Does is make sense?”

4. Ask yourself, “Does it sound right?”

5. Reread with a running start. (Once you figure out a tricky word, go back to the beginning and reread the sentence to make it smooth.)

6. Read through the word. (This is similar to sound it out.  It is the last strategy I teach, as I don’t want my kids to get stuck here.)

If you would like to download the anchor chart I give my kids, you can get it for free by clicking here:  Reading Strategies Student Anchor Chart

How do you encourage your readers to use multiple strategies?

 

3 Responses to Reading Strategies Anchor Chart

  1. sandra freeman January 31, 2013 at 7:37 pm #

    I love your summary of reading strategies! I have 17 ESOL students who speak every language imaginable. This, the visual prompts are wonderful! Thank you; thank you; thank you! I don’t think I can improve upon your summary. Your working is so “kid friendly.” Sandra

    • Teaching Ace February 2, 2013 at 12:35 pm #

      I am so glad they are helpful! I really like using real pictures, because I think kids can relate to them better. Let me know how they work for your kids!

  2. sandra freeman January 31, 2013 at 7:39 pm #

    I need to learn to proofread. I mean “THUS the visual prompts are wonderful” and your WORDING is kid friendly, Your posts are “to die for.” Keep up the inspiring work! Sandra

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