Reading Comprehension
Explore resources designed to improve reading comprehension in kindergarten through third grades. 
- View a visual diagram of all three practices
- Watch a topic overview and download planning templates
- Listen to an expert
Explore the subtopics below to learn more about the recommended practices:
To learn more about the research underlying these practices, view the IES Practice Guide, Improving Reading Comprehension in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade.
Gertrude Took a Nose Dive: Identifying Problem and Resolution
Reading Comprehension > Text Structure > See How It Works
Watch a third-grade teacher demonstrate how to teach narrative text elements using a graphic organizer. The teacher incorporates several strategies throughout the lesson, such as modeling,...
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School Example
We’re Ready for Text Structure
Reading Comprehension > Text Structure > See How It Works
Listen to a literacy coach discuss why it’s important to teach text structure beginning in kindergarten. She describes the differences between narrative and expository text structure and gives...
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School Example
Question Sea: On- and Under-the-Surface Questions
Reading Comprehension > Comprehension Strategies > See How It Works
Watch how a third-grade teacher uses modeling and guided practice to teach questioning. Listen as she describes how she supports students in learning to use the strategies on their own. View the...
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School Example
Single-Strategy Instruction: Asking “Wh-” Questions
Reading Comprehension > Comprehension Strategies > See How It Works
Watch a second-grade teacher use a single-strategy approach to teach questioning. She begins with modeling then extends instruction to small group guided reading activities and independent center...
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School Example
Teaching Early Readers Questioning Strategies
Reading Comprehension > Comprehension Strategies > See How It Works
Watch how a first-grade teacher uses interactive puppets and cooperative learning strategies like think-pair-share to teach her students about questioning. Related Files: Garfield Elementary...
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School Example
Third-Grade Articulation Meeting: Needs-Based Text Selection
Reading Comprehension > Comprehension Strategies > See How It Works
Watch a team of third-grade teachers review assessment data and hear how they adjust their reading comprehension instruction based on the needs of their students. Listen to a literacy coach...
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School Example
The Persistent Principal
Reading Comprehension > Comprehension Strategies > See How It Works
Watch a principal and district elementary supervisor discuss the critical role of building-level instructional leadership. The principal describes how staff development, data meetings, and...
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School Example
Helping Students Connect to Text
Reading Comprehension > Comprehension Strategies > See How It Works
Listen to an instructional coach describe how she builds partnerships and supports teachers’ instruction in a diverse cultural setting. She discusses teacher modeling, the importance of developing...
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School Example
Unpacking Standards in Grade-Level Teams
Reading Comprehension > Comprehension Strategies > See How It Works
Hear a principal and literacy specialist describe the use of professional learning communities to unpack standards and guide instruction. The principal addresses standards-based instruction, and...
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School Example
Supporting Teachers’ Text Selection
Reading Comprehension > Comprehension Strategies > See How It Works
A principal, literacy coach, and kindergarten teacher discuss ways in which the coach trains and supports teachers’ reading instruction and text selection. The coach assists with lesson planning,...
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Purposeful Text Selection to Supplement Core Materials
Reading Comprehension > Comprehension Strategies > See How It Works
Listen to a literacy coach discuss text selection and watch her help a kindergarten teacher choose nonfiction texts to incorporate into core instruction. The coach emphasizes selecting texts that...
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School Example
Reciprocal Teaching: Helping Students Take Charge
Reading Comprehension > Comprehension Strategies > See How It Works
Watch a teacher lead a "Reciprocal Teaching" group lesson. Using this multi-strategy approach, students learn to lead discussions about text. In this video clip students are beginning to learn to...
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