Kindergarten Comprehension

For my TE 402 class we were asked to read an article titled "Kindergarten Can Do It Too". This article discussed learning strategies to test early readers comprehension. I thought it was very interesting since I could relate to it since I am in a Kindergarten classroom for my placement. From observing my placement kindergarten class, I notice that the kindergarteners know and understand that being a good reader means being fluent however, they don't necessarily understand how to make connections and comprehend what they are reading. This article gave great techniques to get students to strategically comprehend what they are reading. The teacher in the article explains to her students what a schema is. I thought this was interesting since that is a pretty advanced concept for five year olds, but the teacher explained it in a sense that the students understood. She is hoping that by knowing this concept the students will make connections between the book and the outside.

Students make a "c" with their hand if they have a connection to share, a "v" if they have a visualization to share or they wiggle their finger if they have a question. Since the students have these techniques they are constantly listening for comprehension and making these text to self connections. Also, the teacher can gauge an understanding for where the students are in their learning. I thought it was great that she made a chart of questions before the book, during the reading, and after. This shows the students how the class is visually thinking.

I think that my kindergarten students in my placement would be able to use these strategies after much practice. While my CT or myself read, the students tend to get way off topic. I think that these strategies would really help them stay on focus. Overall, I loved these strategies. I'm hoping to try them out if I teach early readers!

I thought these might be some strategies you may like to try as well!