Before, During, and After Reading Strategies

The reading process involves three phases: Before Reading, During Reading, and After Reading. This basic model can be used whether students are reading expository or narrative text.

Before Reading: Identify what you know about the topic. List specific ideas. Write specific questions which you would like answered. Make specific predictions about what you think you will learn. Preview the selection with attention to bold print, captions, and graphics. During Reading: Generate mental pictures about what you are reading. Summarize what you have just read. Try to answer the questions you asked. Alter your predictions. Identify items or facts which are confusing. Reread to try and clear up confusions.

After Reading: Create a final summary of what you have learned. State how you can use the information you have learned. Revisit text for clarification. Respond to questions.

SQ3R

SQ3R is a five-step study plan to help students construct meaning while reading. It uses the elements of questioning, predicting, setting a purpose for reading, and monitoring for confusion. SQ3R includes the following steps:

1. Survey Think about the title: “What do I know?” “What do I want to know?” Glance over headings and first sentences in paragraphs. Look at illustrations and graphic aids. Read the first paragraph. Read the last paragraph or summary. 2. Question Turn the title into a question. Write down any questions that some to mind during the survey. Turn headings into questions. Turn subheadings, illustrations, and graphic aids into questions. Write down unfamiliar vocabulary words and determine their meaning. 3. Read Actively Read to search for answers to questions. Respond to questions and use context clues for unfamiliar words. React to unclear passages, confusing terms, and questionable statements by generating additional questions.

4. Recite Look away from the answers and the book to recall what was read. Recite answers to questions aloud or in writing. Reread text for unanswered questions. 5. Review Answer the major purpose question. Look over answers and all parts of the chapter to organize information. Summarize the information learned by drawing flow charts, writing a summary, participating in a group discussion, or by studying for a test.