3 Before Reading Strategies to Support Comprehension
Ever notice how some students dive into a book or passage without a plan—only to end up confused, distracted, or missing the point entirely?
That’s because reading isn’t just about looking at words on a page—it’s about making meaning!
Before reading, students need to take a few simple steps to set themselves up for success. Here are three before reading strategies to support student comprehension.
1. Set a Purpose for Reading
Before opening a book or passage, students need to ask themselves: Why am I reading this? Are they reading to learn new information, enjoy a story, or follow step-by-step instructions? Identifying the genre and text features helps them figure this out.
One easy way to support this step is by using Genre Rings (download for free using the form at the end of this post 🙂), which include sets of cards—one for each genre—that can be combined with a binder ring. These help students identify the genre and prepare their brains for reading with specific strategies. To further support your kids with this, I like to use questions, shown below, such as:
- What do you notice?
- What is the genre?
- What is the author’s purpose?
- What is our purpose for reading?
- What strategies will we use as we read?
Additionally, Genre Posters provide clear explanations of each genre, including purpose, organization, and special features. Having these visual aids available in the classroom allows students to quickly reference and reinforce their understanding of different genres.
2. Make a Plan for Reading
Once students know their purpose, it’s time to strategize! They should think about what reading comprehension strategies they might need. Will they need to visualize? Make connections? Look for text evidence? Skim for key details?
Students can use Genre Bookmarks to guide them in identifying key features and structure, which will help them determine the genre and their purpose for reading. These bookmarks serve as handy reminders of what to look for in different texts and what strategies to use.
Another great tool is the Three Question Chart, which prompts students to ask themselves: What text features do I notice? What genre is this? What strategy will I use? This chart is especially useful for test-taking situations, helping students approach reading passages with confidence and clarity.
3. Monitor Comprehension
Reading isn’t just about getting to the last page—it’s about understanding what’s being read! Encourage students to check in with themselves as they read: Does this make sense? Can I explain what I just read? If not, they might need to reread, slow down, or use another strategy to clarify their understanding.
Teaching students to be aware of their comprehension helps them become stronger, more independent readers. Model this in class by thinking aloud: Wait, that sentence didn’t make sense to me. Let me go back and reread. When students see you doing this, they realize it’s a normal (and necessary!) part of reading.
Put these ideas into practice!
Taking time to prepare before reading makes a huge difference! By setting a purpose, making a plan, and monitoring comprehension, students become more engaged and confident readers. Try using these before reading strategies with your class and see how it transforms their reading experience!
Want to make these steps even easier? Use Genre Rings, Genre Bookmarks, and Genre Posters to support your students as they explore different genres. Plus, introduce them to the Three Question Chart to help them approach reading tests with confidence. All the resources mentioned in this post are linked below 🙂
