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Keep Focus while Reading

Tags

ELA: Reading Study Skills & Tools All Ages Strategy

Skills

Self-regulation Working Memory Attention Processing Speed

Keep Focus while Reading

If your student's mind wanders while reading and he misses key details

Instruction And Practice

  1. Objective: Students will apply specific strategies when they lose focus during a dense reading assignment.
  2. Everyone's mind wanders at times while reading longer or more complex texts. Introduce strategies (on next slide) for students to try and see what approach works best to help them stay on track.

*print* Keep Focus While Reading

  1. Sticky notes: Place sticky notes every few pages in your book. Read up to the note, stop and jot down the point of what you read. As you get better, try placing the sticky notes more pages apart.
  2. Check In: Check in with yourself every few paragraphs. Ask, "Is my mind on the book, or just my eyes?" "Can I picture what is happening in the story right now?"
  3. Re-read: If you notice a focus lapse, back up and re-read. Start over from the last line you clearly remember.
  4. Re-state: If you aren't sure, try to re-state what you are unsure about in your own words without looking at the text. If you can summarize it, keep on reading. If not, go back and re-read.
  5. Break: If your attention is shifting more than usual, it might be time to choose a new book or take a break. If it is required reading and due the next day, try a new reading spot with fewer distractions.

Why It Works (the Science Of Learning)!

Independent reading requires focus. If a student has trouble focusing on an ongoing basis, it is important to put the appropriate supports in place. For younger students, adults can help by sitting nearby and helping the student monitor her focus while reading by prompting with the questions above. As students get older, they need to become more self-aware of lapses and self-monitor.