Ready Reference Guides

Select a strategy to view or print the ready reference guide.

One-page documents that will help you remember the key details of the strategy you want to teach. These details include strategy definition, why children need the strategy, secret to success, how we teach it, and troubleshooting.

Literacy Strategies

Comprehension

I understand what I read

Analyze how visual elements integrate and contribute to the meaning of text Ask questions throughout the reading process Back up and reread Check for understanding; monitor and self-correct Compare and contrast within and between texts Determine and analyze author's purpose and support with text Infer and support with evidence Make and adjust mental images; use text to confirm Make and adjust predictions; use text to confirm Read voraciously (C)Recognize and explain cause-and-effect relationships Recognize literary elements (genre, plot, character, setting, theme, problem, resolution)Retell; include sequence of main events Set purpose for reading Summarize text; include important details Use main ideas and supporting details to determine importance Use prior knowledge to predict and connect with text Use text features to learn important information (titles, headings captions, graphic features)

Accuracy

I can read the words

Listen carefully to sounds Look carefully at letters and words Look for word parts Map it Read voraciously (A)Say the word slowly Try a different sound Use meaning and context to confirm

Fluency

I can read accurately, with expression, and at a rate that matches the text

Adjust and apply different reading rates to match text Read texts that are a good fit Read voraciously (F)Reread text Use punctuation to enhance phrasing and prosody

Expand Vocabulary

I know, find, and use interesting words

Apply understanding of figurative language Ask someone to define the word for you Read voraciously (E)Tune in to interesting words Use pictures, illustrations, and diagrams Use prior knowledge and context clues Use reference tools such as dictionary, thesauruses, and glossaries Use word parts

Math Strategies

Plan & Analyze

What is the problem asking me to do/solve?

Check for understanding: restate the problem Look for entry points to the problem Look for symbols and patterns Make a connection Use manipulatives Write an equation

Apply & Solve

What strategies can I use to solve the problem?

Create an organized list Draw a picture Estimate Look for a pattern Monitor and adjust Think aloud Use a math formula Work backward

Tools for Application

What is the most efficient tool I can use to solve the problem?

Check my work Check solution using a different method Use physical and visual tools

How? Justify

How did I arrive at my solution? How do I know my solution pathway is correct?

Defend your strategy for solving the problem Distinguish correct logic from incorrect logic Use diagrams, objects, etc. to construct your argument for solving

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Literacy Strategies

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