Reading Comprehension: Strategies for Independent Learners

This book provides practical, research-based guidelines for reading comprehension instruction in grades K-9. The authors integrate current research findings with real-life observations of diverse students in action, identifying the strategies that successful readers use to comprehend many different types of materials. They offer recommendations for organizing the classroom effectively and planning instruction to broaden each student's repertoire of comprehension strategies. Concrete, classroom-tested approaches are described to help students engage with fiction and nonfiction texts, develop their vocabulary, build study and test-taking skills, and become motivated, lifelong readers. The book includes a wealth of sample activities, worksheets, and assessment tools. Each chapter begins with a clearly presented overview and resource locator to facilitate quick and easy reference.

Camille Blachowicz, PhD, is Professor of Education at National-Louis University, where she also directs the Reading Specialist program and the Reading Center. She is the author of several books and numerous chapters, monographs, and articles on vocabulary and comprehension instruction and on working with at-risk readers. Dr. Blachowicz was a Fulbright Fellow to Italy and is active in professional organizations and staff development nationally and internationally.

Donna Ogle, EdD, is Professor of Education at National-Louis University and President-Elect of the International Reading Association. She serves on the boards of many professional organizations, including the Reading and Writing for Critical Thinking Project, which provides staff development for change in Eastern Europe. Dr. Ogle is the author of many publications related to the topic of comprehension development, and is a frequent speaker on the subject.