Pupils need structured instruction in both decoding and language comprehension in order to develop good reading comprehension. If they know how approach different kinds of texts, they will be more likely to benefit from and find use for their reading
Decoding & Fluency
Decoding practice needs to be:
- Extremely structured and,
- Build upon each pupil’s reading level.
- To support this, Lexplore provides specific exercises, which we call fluency practice, based on the results after a screening.
They are based on Phonics instruction which is a well-established method for learning to read. In addition to these exercises, we also have instructions for other fluency exercises which can be done a few times per year.
All Lexplore’s recommended exercises require pupils to read aloud, together in pairs or with an adult, in order to put decoding in focus.
Since there are fluency exercises for all reading levels, you can plan structured periods of reading practice with your whole class. If you would like to vary the exercises, you can use other types of literature. The most important thing is that pupils read aloud!
Sometimes, pupils need extra support, in which the exercises can be done in smaller groups or possibility even one-on-one with an adult.
Language Comprehension
Language Comprehension is something that exists in pupils’ everyday lives, both in lessons and out on the playground, at home, and in free-time activities. Of course, opportunities for language stimulation vary amongst pupils. Our goal is to get everyone on board, which is why our language exercises are designed for use in the whole-group (classroom) setting.
Reading Strategies
Reading Strategies go hand in hand with language comprehension. That’s why there are so many exercises to practice reading strategies in Lexplore‘s Teacher’s Guides. The goal is to give pupils a lot of practice and experience with these strategies so that they become confident with them. You model the strategies, then pupils practice together and can eventually use them independently.
There are also exercises to help you introduce a new subject area through lessons on terms and concepts, as well as lessons on how pupils can work with nonfiction texts.
You can also get support with planning your instruction from Lexplore’s Yearly Plans. In the Yearly Plans, you will find exercises from the Teacher’s Guides in order to help you plan systematic reading instruction.
The best-case scenario is when you and your colleagues can plan quality reading instruction together at your school and supplement it with Lexplore’s material.
The Guides and Yearly Plans are divided into three parts according to the age group they are intended for and recommended for Key Stages 1-4.
📖More reads on the topic
- About the research behind Lexplore’s recommendations and material: Methods for Reading Development
- About classroom practice: Link to KB Lexplore Fluency
💡Recommended Courses and Guides are available on the Lexplore Portal
- About reading and classroom practice we have the course -> "The Reading Journey"
- Teacher’s Guides and Yearly Plans
- More information about -> Fluency Practice
Ref.
Ehri, C.L., Nunes, S.R., Stahl, S.A., & Willows, D.M. Systematic Phonics Instruction Helps Students Learn to Read: Evidence from the National Reading Panel’s Meta-Analysis Review of Educational Research, 71, (3) 393-447 (2001)
Hoover, W. A. & Gough, P. B. (1990). The Simple View of Reading. Reading and Writing: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 2, 127-160
Palincsar, A. S. & Brown, A. L. (1984). Reciprocal teaching of comprehension-fostering and comprehension-monitoring activities. Cognition and Instruction, 1 (2), 117–175
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