Homework Help: Easy and Effective Advice

/in , , , , , /by

homework-787270_1280

Homework: some parents and educators are huge proponents of it—others, not so much. The pros and cons of homework have long been debated; however, its role in your child’s education can be very influential. If homework is a reality at your child’s school, I am sure that you have dealt with the tears, tantrums, and stressors related to the sometimes daunting task. So, how can we manage to make homework less intimidating and more effective? Below are some problem-solving strategies for your child’s homework woes.

Insist that your child keep an agenda, homework calendar, or planner. Whatever you choose to call it, it is the first line of defense against homework stress. Schools typically issue a planner to each student at the start of the school year, but if this is not the case at your child’s school, be sure to purchase one. Writing down homework during class is an imperative step for ensuring that homework is completed or attempted. Not only will writing it down help with memory of the assignment, but it also ensures that you as a parent will know what the assignment is, when it was issued, and when it is due.

On a similar note, be sure that you encourage your child to write down the full details of the assignment. Often in a hurry, students jot down a vague idea of the homework with little detail. This is not much help when homework time begins. Instruct your child to write down the homework as specifically as possible, i.e., the page number, website, number of questions, or chapters to read.

Stress the importance of effort. We have all experienced those ugly moments when frustration takes over. I (not-so-fondly) remember shedding plenty of tears at the kitchen counter over factor trees…and geometry…and algebra…and precalculus homework. Needless to say, math caused a lot of stress in my household growing up. Many families can relate to this struggle. That said, remember to express the importance of simply attempting a complicated assignment. Completion for the sake of credit is not always worth the hours of frustration. Instead, when homework hits the fan, send a quick email to your child’s teacher explaining the effort that your child put into the assignment. Homework is, after all, about the practice of the skills taught at school.

Stay organized with homework assignments. This means not only helping your child organize and keep track of different tasks for their many subject areas, but helping her to organize her time for lengthy or multi-step projects. When more complex or involved assignments come home, create a realistic schedule or timeline for completion. This will help your child begin to build time management skills and help avoid the weekend meltdown. When large assignments are pushed off, the procrastination creates unnecessary stress, which can make the assignment nearly unmanageable. Avoid this by modeling your own time management strategies—show your child different methods of completing lengthy tasks in a timely, organized fashion.

Problems at School: For Parents of Middle Schoolers

/in , , , , , /by

school-1016263_1280

Middle school is arguably one of the biggest leaps for students in terms of educational transitions. Gone are the days of your child having one classroom for all subjects. Gone is the ease of contacting one teacher for any issue at school. And, gone are the training wheels of support and constant micromanagement. This is not to say that success in middle school is completely left up to the child, but it is much different from the hand holding that you have been accustomed to seeing at the elementary level. Up until now, as a parent you have been there for your learner every step of the way, and elementary school has made it easy to monitor, assist, and motivate your child. However, now that your child has reached middle school, the responsibilities begin to shift from the teachers and parents to the students. This is not always an easy transition for parents or children—however, middle school is the place to learn and develop these self-advocacy skills. So, how can you best assist your middle schooler as she navigates through this transitional time in her education? The truth is, there is no quick fix or recipe for success when it comes to parental involvement at school. There are, however, a few suggestions to answer parents’ frequently asked questions.

FAQ: How can I help my middle schooler if his or her grades are slipping?
Since middle school can be an abrupt change, your child may find that academics are suddenly more difficult. If you notice a slip in motivation, it is essential to nip it in the bud early. Talk with your middle schooler at home before contacting teachers. It is important that your child begins to feel a sense of ownership in his or her education. If parents go over their child’s head and take it directly to the teacher, the child will view this as a negative move. Not only are you disregarding your child’s place in the conversation, but you are also sending the message that he or she needs you to fix the problems or clean up the messes at school. A key component of middle school is the idea that students become their own agents of change for their education. Instead of immediately contacting the teacher, have an open and honest conversation about what is happening with recent school work. Allow your child to explain how he is struggling. Then brainstorm suggestions and methods for your child to get extra help on his own.

FAQ: What should I do if I think my child is being bullied?
Unfortunately, we have all been there. Middle school can be downright ugly and painful for many children. This is not a coincidence—this transitional time is marked by hormonal changes, insecurities, and the typical desire to be accepted by peers. With these commonalities comes an unfortunate tendency to be self-absorbed, self-conscious, and openly cruel if it means fitting in. If you notice that your middle schooler is exhibiting signs of bullying, be sure to first validate your child’s concerns and feelings about the social issue at school by listening. When children are systematically bullied, they are made to feel isolated and insecure. The first thing that they need is to know that you are in their corner. Do not downplay the bullying; do not minimize the impact or imply that your child should toughen up.

FAQ: At what point should I involve the school if there are bullying or social issues?
Because the consequences of bullying can be severe, especially in middle school during those formative years, it is essential to have conversations with the school immediately. Do not insert yourself in conversations with the other child or their parents—the school should be the liaison when it comes to bullying incidents. As thoroughly as possible, gather details about each incident, such as who, what, when, and where the bullying occurred. Remember, bullying is often defined as repeated instances of aggression, intimidation, or humiliation revolving around an imbalance of power or strength. One rude comment or act is not classified as bullying. If the bullying is happening in a cyber realm, document and print the evidence of cyberbullying. When meeting with the school, ask to meet before or after school hours. This will alleviate your child’s anxiety about the bullying increasing by “tattling.”

Standardized Testing: Teacher Tips

/in , , , , , /by

rest-413103_1280

The wise Benjamin Franklin once said that two things in life are guaranteed—death and taxes. Educators in the public school system would likely vote to add standardized testing to that list of guarantees. Few things dichotomize the staff lounge like the discussion surrounding the use of high-stakes tests. While both sides of the long-held debate argue vehemently for the continued use or abolishment of said standardized assessments, one thing is certain—our students, teachers, administrators, and schools will be measured by standardized tests.

With such an inevitable, and potentially stressful, certainty looming over the heads of our students, one major concern for teachers is how to alleviate test anxiety. Here are a few tips:

  1. Provide your students with test-taking strategies prior to the discussion of a major assessment. Students are likely to feel at ease when they are armed with copious strategies for tackling test questions. Prep students in advance so that the strategies are less “teaching to the test” and taught more as essential academic skills for success in higher education.
  2. Another valuable test-taking skill for all content areas involves note-taking. Strategic note-taking is not an innate skill—it must be introduced and practiced in order to master the practice successfully. Make sure that students know how to abbreviate, condense, and paraphrase main ideas and concepts. As many different strategies as there are for taking notes, there are wrong ways to do it, as well. Teaching what not to do when taking class notes can also be beneficial for students. There is no need to copy notes word-for-word; spend the time absorbing and noting new information.
  3. Provide support for practicing time management skills. This could mean allowing study sessions during class, creating a realistic study schedule or calendar, or making creative outlines and checklists for larger unit tests. Also, encourage students to space out their studying and reviewing over several days. A study log is another beneficial way to ensure that students are accountable for their own preparation before a large assessment. Taking several small breaks during a study session can help with attention span, as well.
  4. Encourage students to reread directions and seek clarification if the directions or questions are creating confusion. Guessing, stressing, or spending too much time on complicated instructions can increase test anxiety. Similarly, encourage students to skip questions that are confusing. Remind them that they can always go back and select an answer later on in the testing session. But to focus on a confusing question for too long will not only waste time, it will cause frustration and stress.
  5. Reading the questions prior to the excerpt is also a method to save time. When students know what they are looking for, they are able to work through the text or excerpt more efficiently. Also, remind students to read each question carefully, being sure to understand what is being asked before seeking the answer. Often times, in an effort to save time, students may rush through the questions and choose the initial gut response. Remind them to read questions carefully and completely.
  6. Lastly, when in doubt, remind students to use the “process of elimination” method. Especially when questions are more confusing than others, encourage them to cross off answer options that they know cannot be correct. Then, when necessary, take an educated guess of the remaining options.

When it comes to standardized tests, forewarned is forearmed. Introduce your students to these helpful tips and give them the advantage at test time.

Hidden Talents Masked by a Learning Disability

/in , , , , , /by

lights-951000_1280
As parents, you know your children better than anyone else. You know their strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between. One of the more difficult aspects of raising a child with a learning disability is watching the struggle—it can be unbearable. A learning disability may come with an unfortunate stigma, one that makes it hard to view the disability as anything other than an obstacle. These obstacles or roadblocks certainly do complicate things in and out of the classroom, but it is important to recognize the unique strengths that often accompany a learning disability. In the same amazing way that people lacking one of the five senses are able to somewhat compensate with the strengths of the remaining senses, a child with a learning disability will often present with extraordinary strengths in other areas.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibit periods of difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, and impulsivity—these likely interfere with learning and can make school difficult. But, believe it or not, ADHD symptoms may also have their own unique benefits. One of these benefits is called hyperfocus, which is exactly as it sounds. When children with ADHD are able to hone in on one specific activity or task for long periods of time, they maintain an acute focus, one that outlasts that of their peers. Whether this form of hyperfocus comes about athletically, artistically, technologically, etc., children that are able to channel their attention and excess energy find great success in their interests.

Furthermore, having adapted to managing the ADHD symptoms over time, children learn to self-check and recognize when their level of attentiveness dips and peaks. Again, because of the weakness in other areas, children with ADHD are often forced to think or learn a little differently. They build strength in other areas and become experts at streamlining information. With practice, they are able to hone in on significant details and gauge their own comprehension. This sort of self-awareness helps students play off of their strengths and develop creative means of achievement.

As you have likely noticed about your own child, children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are also highly sociable and friendly. Because they are prone to being talkative, their verbal language skills, including vocabulary, are often higher than those of their peers. Storytelling, public speaking, and debating are likely some of your child’s common social strengths.

Dyslexia/Dysgraphia

Dyslexia, a learning disability that affects a reader’s ability to decode, comprehend, and read fluently, certainly presents its own challenges in and out of the classroom. Reading levels can range from below grade level to nearly illiterate—which is not only frustrating for parents, but greatly discouraging for children, as well. The advantages of dyslexia are widely unknown, as the disorder is seen as a major educational roadblock. However, there seem to be undeniable benefits. Since reading presents a major challenge, some believe that the following behaviors are a means of compensating for the gaps in reading. For example, children with dyslexia typically thrive at tasks involving abstract thinking, creativity, and holistic or “whole picture” thinking. This flare of creativity is simply another type of intelligence, one that is equally important and beneficial. Children with dyslexia also display strengths in reasoning, problem-solving, and persistence.

Similarly, dysgraphia, a disability that affects written language, has its own unique benefits also. Since motor skills affect pencil grip and the ability to master written language, children with dysgraphia compensate by sharpening their listening skills. These learners are masters of recalling oral details, memorization, and storytelling. These conversationalists thrive in social situations and are often helpful problem solvers. Again, the weakness in one area allows your child to strengthen other areas of importance. Therefore, while a learning disability will certainly present difficulties, a “glass half full” viewpoint means that your child’s alternative forms of learning, understanding, and expressing can be major benefits.  

Sensory Processing: In the Classroom

/in , , , , /by

board-1666644_1280

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a complex condition for several different reasons. Because the symptoms range in severity and can be vastly different from child to child, SPD is often misunderstood by peers, parents, and educators. Furthermore, the symptoms for toddlers, preschool-aged, and school-aged children are also rather common for the age group, causing them to be overlooked or ignored. For instance, school-aged children with SPD may be fidgety, worrisome, aggressive, withdrawn, easily distracted, sensitive, etc. These symptoms resemble the typical behavior of any 7-12 year old from time to time. In fact, these same characteristics could apply to the average adult on any given day.

As discreet as this condition can be, SPD can have significant effects on a child’s ability to learn and adapt to different environments. This, of course, could result in setbacks in the classroom, both socially and academically. Again, because of the varying degrees of severity, symptoms of SPD can be camouflaged by our understanding of the characteristics of certain age groups. Here are some fast facts about SPD and its potential effects on students.

  1. SPD is a condition that affects the brain’s ability to receive, interpret, and respond to information that comes through the senses. This means that students may have difficulty with sights, sounds, textures, and agility/movement.
  2. Sensory Processing Disorder can cause oversensitivity of the senses. For instance, a child may be particularly bothered by the tactile feel of a certain type of material or fabric. Others with SPD could be easily disturbed by common sounds or certain levels of light. Furthermore, students may experience a combination of sensory sensitivity, meaning that more than one sense can adversely affect their ability to receive and retain information.
  3. These aversions to certain sensory messages may seem arbitrary or overly dramatic to people that are unfamiliar with this condition. However, a child with SPD is truly affected by these triggers. A certain ordinary sound or texture of a specific food could cause a child to become physically sick. Obviously, these aversions and reactions can greatly affect the child’s social and cognitive development.
  4. Because of misinformation or complete ignorance of the condition, a student’s peers may be highly confused by the student’s reaction to sensory stimuli. Not only can the behaviors create difficulty for students with SPD, but the social aspect makes cooperative learning and group work an additional difficulty.
  5. Some children with SPD struggle more with spatial awareness. This means that they may exhibit a lack of coordination, difficulty with physical play or movement, and may frequently bump into things while walking. Children that fall on this end of the spectrum of SPD will also exhibit clumsiness and an inability to control or manage their limbs in relation to their surroundings. Therefore, physical education classes, sports, and other extracurricular activities could be difficult or intimidating for students that struggle with physiological symptoms of SPD.
  6. Because SPD is not currently categorized as a medical condition, treatment options can be difficult to come by. For most occupational therapists treating children with sensory processing problems, a common approach is called “sensory integration.” Similarly to exposure therapy, sensory integration involves presenting the child with opportunities to confront the sounds, sights, tastes, textures, etc., that cause discomfort or distress. The idea behind this method is to strategically teach the child how to interpret and respond appropriately to the sensory input.
  7. Some forms of physical therapy could also be beneficial when movement and physical functions are compromised by SPD. Again, the idea is to exercise the brain like a muscle, acclimating it to receive and respond properly.
  8. Sensory Processing Disorder does not necessarily have to accompany another condition; however, it is commonly seen in children on the autism spectrum.   

Sensory Processing: A Parent’s Guide

/in , , , /by

eye-321961_1280

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a complicated disorder for several different reasons. Because its symptoms range in severity and can be vastly different from child to child, SPD is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. The symptoms for toddlers, preschool-aged, and school-aged children are also rather common for the age group. For example, school-aged children with SPD may be fidgety, worrisome, aggressive, withdrawn, easily distracted, sensitive, etc. These “symptoms” sound like the typical 7-12 year old. In fact, these same characteristics could apply to the average adult on any given day.

As discreet as this condition can be, SPD can have significant effects on a child’s ability to learn and adapt to different environments. This, of course, could result in setbacks at home, school, and in social situations. Here are some fast facts about Sensory Processing Disorder and its potential effects on your child.

  • SPD is a condition that affects the brain’s ability to receive, interpret, and respond to information that comes through the senses.
  • Sensory Processing Disorder can cause oversensitivity of the senses. For instance, a child may be particularly bothered by the tactile feel of a certain type of material or fabric. Others with SPD could be easily disturbed by common sounds or certain levels of light.
  • These aversions to certain sensory messages may seem arbitrary or overly dramatic to people that are unfamiliar with this condition. However, a child with SPD is truly affected by these triggers. A certain ordinary sound or texture of a specific food could cause a child to become physically sick. Obviously, these aversions and reactions can greatly affect the child’s social and cognitive development.
  • Some children with SPD struggle more with spatial awareness. This means that they may exhibit a lack of coordination, difficulty with physical play or movement, and may frequently bump into things while walking. Children that fall on this end of the spectrum of SPD will also exhibit clumsiness and an inability to control or manage their limbs in relation to their surroundings.
  • Because SPD is not currently categorized as a medical condition, treatment options can be difficult to come by. For most occupational therapists treating children with sensory processing problems, a common approach is called “sensory integration.” Similarly to exposure therapy, sensory integration involves presenting the child with opportunities to confront the sounds, sights, tastes, textures, etc., that cause discomfort or distress. The idea behind this method is to strategically teach the child how to interpret and respond appropriately to the sensory input.
  • Some forms of physical therapy could also be beneficial when movement and physical functions are compromised by SPD. Again, the idea is to exercise the brain like a muscle, acclimating it to receive and respond properly.
  • Sensory Processing Disorder does not necessarily have to accompany another condition; however, it is commonly seen in children on the autism spectrum.

What We Can Learn from Students with Learning Disabilities

/in , , , , , /by

student-1571488_1280

A learning disability indicates that there is an issue or difficulty with acquiring knowledge or grasping concepts, information, or processes. Because of our common understanding of students with learning disabilities, it is unfortunately typical to view a disability as a disadvantage in the classroom. While this can and certainly is the case on some level, what we often neglect to notice are the advantages that come with what we consider a disability. Yes, learning disabilities make certain skills more difficult, but they also bring many unique perspectives to the classroom. Perhaps viewing these disabilities more as differences would open our eyes and allow for a more optimistic outlook.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibit periods of difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms vary from person to person, but can notably interfere with learning. But, believe it or not, ADHD symptoms may also have their own unique benefits. For instance, hyperfocus occurs when children with ADHD are able to hone in on one specific activity or task for long periods of time. Whether this form of hyperfocus comes about athletically, artistically, technologically, etc., students that practice channeling their attention and excess energy find great success in their interests.

Furthermore, having adapted to managing the ADHD symptoms over time, children learn to self-check and recognize when their level of attentiveness dips and peaks. Children with ADHD are often forced to think or learn a little differently. They become experts at streamlining information, honing in on significant details, and gauging their own comprehension. This sort of self-awareness helps students play off of their strengths and develop creative means of achievement.

Students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are also highly sociable and friendly. Because they are prone to being talkative, their verbal language skills are often higher than those of their peers. Storytelling, public speaking, and debating are some of their common social strengths.

Dyslexia/Dysgraphia

Dyslexia, a learning disability that affects a reader’s ability to decode, comprehend, and read fluently, certainly presents its own challenges in and out of the classroom. Reading levels can range from below grade level to nearly illiterate—which is not only frustrating for a child, but greatly discouraging, as well. The advantages of dyslexia are widely unknown, as the disorder is seen as a major educational roadblock. However, there seem to be undeniable benefits. Since reading presents a major challenge, some believe that the following behaviors are a means of compensating for the gaps in reading. For example, students with dyslexia typically thrive at tasks involving abstract thinking, creativity, and holistic or “whole picture” thinking. Children with dyslexia also display strengths in reasoning, problem-solving, and persistence.

Similarly, dysgraphia, a disability that affects written language, also has its own unique benefits. Since motor skills affect pencil grip and the ability to master written language, children with dysgraphia compensate by sharpening their listening skills. These learners are masters of recalling oral details, memorization, and storytelling. These conversationalists thrive in social situations and are often helpful problem solvers.

How-to Check for Comprehension: High School

/in , , , , /by

read-515531_1280

Comprehension: though this term has a simple definition, it is far from a simple concept. Comprehension centers on one’s ability to understand or make sense of something. It is truly a complex cognitive ability that can be difficult to measure and varies person to person.

Once adolescents arrive at the high-school level of their education, comprehension is an expectation in the classroom. Having progressed through years of schooling, high schoolers have had their comprehension assessed countless times. The methods for which to assess them over the years is just as varied. Whether via formal or informal assessments, comprehension at the high school level leaves no room for gray areas—students either comprehend a concept, or they do not. This is different from the lower grades, when students are still developing comprehension skills. So how can high schoolers check for and improve comprehension skills? The three-step strategy below is a proven process which expands a student’s comprehension skills.

  1. Annotate texts, assignment sheets, rubrics, etc. Essentially, any text can be annotated to check for understanding. When students receive an article, report, novel, etc., they should immediately assume the role of an active reader and writer. This means that, when reading, students should have a pencil and/or highlighter in hand, ready to record as they read. This is not an innate skill; it takes practice and consideration. Highlighting is not merely enough—students have to indicate why they have highlighted something, which is where margin notes come into play. This process helps to ensure that students are actively engaged in the text, following along and thinking critically as they read.
  2. Employ close reading, of which annotating is an important aspect. Close reading involves a critical analysis of a text that requires the reader to engage closely with the text by focusing on significant details, patterns, and other distinguishable aspects of the author’s writing. Close reading asks that readers question or critique the artistic choices of the author, i.e., Why did he include that simile? What is the meaning of that term as it is used in the context of the paragraph? What is the greater message that the author may have been trying to convey? Close reading encourages readers to look at the text in layers, similar to that of an onion. As we peel back the layers, we ask different questions of the text. First, what is the author saying? Then, how is the author saying it? And finally, why would the author choose to say it in such a way?
  3. Respond to the text. Having annotated and performed a close reading of the text, a final method for ensuring comprehension is to respond to the text. With the notes that the student has taken, and the observations and critiques that have been made, high schoolers can exhibit further comprehension by responding in various forms, but likely a written response. High school students can create book reviews, author reviews, argumentative or persuasive pieces, etc. By commenting on a text in a critical way, students are able to show that they have not only comprehended the material, but also analyzed it critically.

Standardized Testing: A Parent’s Guide

/in , , , , , /by

board-361516_1280

Whether a proponent of the practice or not, standardized testing is a certain reality for parents, students, and teachers in America’s public educational system. While both sides of the long-held debate argue vehemently for the continued use or abolishment of such high-stakes assessments, one thing is certain—our children, teachers, administrators, and schools will be measured by standardized tests. Aside from exercising your parental right to “opt out” of such state mandated assessments, which thousands of families have decided to do in recent years, what can parents do to ease the inevitable stress associated with these high-stakes tests?  

Well, depending on your child’s age and learning circumstances, the conversations surrounding standardized testing will vary. For children and teens with testing anxiety or other learning difficulties, it is most important to put your child at ease. As a parent, the last thing that you want to witness is your child’s worry or discomfort.

When testing becomes a part of the school year, allow your child to steer the conversation. Answer their questions honestly and validate their concerns. Yes, these tests matter; no, these tests do not define your abilities. Discuss how such assessments are just one measure of some of the things that they have learned this year. Explain to your child that the importance of an assessment is to acknowledge what they know—not necessarily to focus on what they do not know. Keeping the focus on the positive helps to reduce test anxiety and ease the worry of answering incorrectly. Remind your child that his strengths far exceed the measures of such exams.  

For the “perfectionist” child, standardized tests can be a rather hefty focus. Even if parents minimize the importance of these assessments, the perfectionist will seek success. Children who are used to doing well will inevitably put pressure on themselves when completing an assessment such as this. In this case, provide your “high flyer” with test-taking strategies. These tips not only assist during the test, but they also provide your child with the confidence they need to alleviate some of the pressure associated with acing the exam.

  • For reading comprehension sections, encourage your child to read the questions prior to the excerpt. This will prepare students as they read, and help them to be aware of what to look for in the text. Reading the questions prior to the excerpt is also a method to save time. When students know what they are looking for, they are able to work through the text or excerpt more efficiently.
  • Tell your child to mark, then skip, questions that are confusing. Remind them that they can always go back and select an answer later on in the testing session. But to focus on a confusing question for too long will not only waste time, it will also cause frustration and stress.
  • Remind your child to read each question carefully, being sure to understand what is being asked before seeking the answer. Often times, in an effort to save time, students may rush through the questions and choose the initial gut response. Remind them to read questions carefully and completely.
  • When in doubt, remind your child to use the “process of elimination” method. Especially when questions are more confusing than others, encourage children to cross off answer options that they know cannot be correct. Then, when necessary, take an educated guess from the remaining options.

How-to Check for Comprehension: Middle Grades

/in , , , , , /by

books-1012088_1280

Comprehension, quite simply, indicates a person’s ability to understand something. Simply by existing, humans are constantly receiving input and information, analyzing it, and (hopefully) making sense of it. Something that is done so automatically and continuously should be easy, right? Not always. Herein lies the issue, especially when it comes to the middle school child—adolescents often think that they know everything, and/or, they completely disregard anything that confuses them. The “if I ignore it, it will cease to exist” mentality unfortunately only works to create more confusion. This is why self-checking for comprehension is a necessary skill for middle schoolers to learn to employ.

Trust me, comprehension will be assessed at great lengths throughout middle and high school. Between the standardized testing, regular assignments, and lengthy book reports, formative comprehension checks will become a routine as students make their way through their schooling. In order for students to recognize whether they have comprehended something or not, it is important for them to begin to actively question themselves as a learner. But what does this look like? Here are a few strategies that middle schoolers should employ to check for their own comprehension.

Can I summarize that reading? A summary should consist of the key points, major details, and take-aways from the entire reading as a whole. If a middle schooler is not able to adequately present a holistic view of the key moments from a text, he or she has not fully comprehended it.

Did I understand all of the vocabulary that I encountered? This question goes back to the issue of disregarding information that is confusing. When stumbling through a reading where vocabulary presents an issue with comprehension, students’ typical reaction is to plow through, ignoring the terms or phrases that they do not understand. This is an obvious sign that the middle schooler is not fully comprehending the text. As annoying as they may find this to be, middle schoolers should get in the habit of searching and defining unfamiliar words as they read or work.

Can I comment, question, or critique anything from this reading? Again, this practice is often met with moans and groans. “As if reading the text is not difficult enough, they now want me to analyze it?!” Yes. If a middle schooler does not have anything to add or consider after finishing a text, then their comprehension is questionable. Highlighting and taking margin notes will help when it comes to critiquing the text. Be sure that your middle schooler knows why he or she highlighted a certain section. Again, if they are able to pinpoint key moments or question the text, chances are the comprehension piece is intact.

Was my focus on the text the whole time? This question is one that even adults struggle to answer on occasion. If readers arrive at the bottom of the page only to discover that they were thinking about what to eat for dinner, then the focus was disrupted. Without focusing on the text, there is no way to fully comprehend its meaning.

Try implementing one or more of these strategies the next time your middle schooler completes a reading assignment. You may both be surprised to see how a few extra minutes of reflection can greatly enhance comprehension!