Strategy Definitions

During reading, effective readers construct meaning from text by using the predictable elements of fiction and non-fiction. In addition, they monitor meaning by clarifying and monitoring their comprehension while reading. Effective readers use a variety of fix-up strategies if meaning breaks down.

1. Clarifying – the reader’s ability to use background knowledge and information from the text to clarify misunderstandings/confusions.

2. Construct Meaning from Fiction – the reader’s ability to use the predictable elements of fiction to enhance comprehension. The predictable elements are character, setting, problem, events, resolution, and theme.

3. Fix-Up – the reader’s ability to use a variety of fix-up strategies in an attempt to regain meaning when it has broken down. These include re-reading, adjusting rate, and asking for help.

4. Monitoring Comprehension – the reader’s ability to use a variety of strategies to monitor the accuracy of comprehension.

5. Construct Meaning from Non-Fiction – the reader’s ability to use the predictable elements and text structures of non-fiction to enhance comprehension. The predictable elements of non-fiction are author’s purpose, major ideas, supporting details, important vocabulary, and reader’s aids. The text structures of non-fiction are enumeration, time order, compare/contrast, and cause/effect.