In class we have been focusing on non-fiction texts, their text features, and
strategies for reading these informational texts with active reading strategies. We have begun to work with a strategy called SQ3R.
SQ3R:
Survey – look at pictures, captions, title, first and last sentence.
Question – turn each text feature into a question and write them on your paper, leaving space for notes.
Read – The text!
Respond – Answer each question in your notes.
Review – Your notes to study!We worked with non-fiction textbooks and current events articles. Students were shown a strategy to set up 2-column notes and SQ3R for studying content area information, where folding back the page makes for a handy self-quiz tool.
Most importantly, SQ3R reminds us to be active readers, survey and predict, ask and answer questions, and review the content when we read.
In class next week students will be completing an SQ3R using a current events article.
In QAR students learn the difference between answers that are found “In the text” and “On my own”. As evident above research demonstrates the importance of an awareness of question types, QAR teaches students to use the question answer relationship to improve reading comprehension. 
In class we will be discussing, demonstrating, creating and answering all 4 kinds of questions, and then applying this strategy to FCAT-style questions and the sample FCAT materials. This Active Reading Strategy will provide our students with another tool to maximize comprehension.
