A free newsletter by BJ Madewell
DIAGNOSIS ADD ADHD Now What?
Published 10th, 20th & 30th of each month
PLEASE SEE DISCLAIMER AT THE END OF THIS DOCUMENT!
READING TEXTBOOKS
January 30, 2003
Reading a textbook is much different than reading a story for enjoyment or to re-enforce/learn reading skills.
By the third grade, most teachers require students to apply reading skills and “READ TO LEARN”.
This
is a quantum leap for many students. Until the third grade, most academic
subjects children are required to learn are directly
taught by their elementary school teachers.
Elementary teachers by and large relate the required information through lectures, film strips, videos, reading the information aloud to/with the students, and numerous hands on activities along with oral discussion. By third grade, however, teachers start the proverbial “read the chapter and answer the questions at the end” assignments. For competent, grade level readers, this request is difficult - but manageable. For the struggling reader or attention challenged reader -- such an assignment creates confusion, misunderstanding, bewilderment, and frustration.
Third grade through high school teachers need to take the time to TEACH students how to read a textbook efficiently. Below are some suggestions.
Teach students how to
PREVIEW THE CHAPTER
Look
at all the pictures and read the captions. Figure out what the chapter is mainly
about. Strive to understand why the author included the pictures, diagrams and
charts.
Skim through the chapter, noticing any boldfaced words, titles and/or subtitles. Be sure you understand the meaning of the words that the author thinks are IMPORTANT.
Read
the comprehension questions before you start reading the chapter. As
you read, think about the questions. Put a sticky note on any page you know you
will need to go back to when you begin answering the questions.
The questions give you a hint as to the “type” of answer required. For instance, a WHAT question usually refers to an event or detail from the chapter. A WHERE question needs a place as an answer. Of course, a question starting with WHEN will require a time or date as part of the answer.
Teach students how to
READ THE CHAPTER
Supplies needed:
Note cards, highlighting removable tape or erasable highlighters (available from chadd.org)
Read the first paragraph.
Make a note card for this paragraph write down the MAIN IDEA
List 2-3 DETAILS about the main idea
Write the question number this paragraph will help you answer (if applicable)
If you have highlighting tape or an erasable highlighter, use different colors for the MAIN IDEA and the DETAILS
CONTINUE WITH THE REST OF THE PARAGRAPHS IN THE CHAPTER.
As
you read, think about why the author wrote the information.
What are you supposed to learn?
How can this information be useful to you as you become an adult?
Ask your teacher, if you can’t figure it out, WHY you are studying about the topic!
Teach students how to
ANSWER THE QUESTIONS
Answer in complete sentences using a portion of the question in the answer. Check for spelling, capitalization, punctuation and neatness. Use your note cards and sticky notes to remind you of the answers. If you did a GREAT JOB on your note cards, sticky notes and/or highlighting, answering the questions will be EASY!!
TURN YOUR FINISHED ASSIGNMENT INTO THE TEACHER!!
This
suggestion sounds like a “no brainer” however, many students leave their terrific
work at home, in their locker or in their book. What a shame to have your work
done but not get it turned in. Most teachers deduct points for late work. Do you
know why? If not, ask someone. They
will explain it to you!
IT'S YOUR CHOICE
Actively
teach students
strategies to be able to read textbooks efficiently. It's a skill that
can/should be taught.
DISCLAIMER
This information is for educational purposes only. Much of the information is from classes and workshops I’ve taken during my 30+ years of working with ADD & ADHD students – sprinkled with my own comments, thoughts and insights.
Some information has been acquired from the INTERNET. Be aware that not all information on the WWW is accurate. Use your own judgment.
Additionally,
much of this information is a direct result of research done for workshops I've
presented. CLICK HERE TO SEE MY WORKSHOP OFFERINGS.
http://www.addchoices.com/ks_workshops.htm
This information is not intended to replace information from your doctor, therapist, lawyer, psychologist, nutritionist or psychiatrist. Consult your child’s (or your own) doctor for additional input.
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Editor: BJ Madewell
Wichita, KS area
316-733-9532
FAX not available
Email ADDchoices@aol.com or ADDchoices@yahoo.com
BJ Madewell
