Small Group Activities for Monitoring Comprehension

This extensive PDF provides tons of learning activities focused on comprehension strategies. Many of the activities encourage students to articulate their metacognitive strategies—more specifically their ability to monitor and discuss what they’ve learned. The activities include concise directions along with most support materials. Each instruction page provides an objective, material list, activity steps, sample, and suggestions for extensions or adaptations. The format is engaging and the activities are easy to implement in any classroom for practice, re-teaching, or challenge.

 

Standards & Objectives

Academic standards
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.3.4
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning word and phrases based on grade 3 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.3.5
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships and nuances in word meanings.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.3.6
Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate conversational, general academic, and domain-specific words and phrases, including those that signal...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.3.3
Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.3.4
Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.4.4
Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.5.4
Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.10
By the end of the year, read and comprehend informational texts, including history/social studies, science, and technical texts, at the high end of...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.1
Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.10
By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poetry, at the high end of the grades 2-3 text complexity...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.3.5
Create engaging audio recordings of stories or poems that demonstrate fluid reading at an understandable pace; add visual displays when appropriate...
GLE 0301.1.2
Demonstrate knowledge of strategies and resources to determine the definition, pronunciation, and usage of words and phrases.
GLE 0301.6.1
Apply appropriate reading strategies to comprehend informational texts.
GLE 0301.8.1
Use active comprehension strategies before, during, and after reading.
GLE 0401.1.2
Demonstrate knowledge of strategies and resources to determine the definition, pronunciation, and usage of words and phrases.
GLE 0401.8.1
Use active comprehension strategies to derive meaning while reading and check for understanding after reading.
GLE 0501.1.2
Demonstrate knowledge of strategies and resources to determine the definition, pronunciation, and usage of words and phrases.
GLE 0501.8.1
Use previously learned comprehension strategies before, during, and after reading.
GLE 0501.8.2
Experience various literary genres, including fiction and nonfiction, poetry, drama, chapter books, biography/autobiography, short stories, folk tales, myths,...
GLE 0701.1.2
Employ a variety of strategies and resources to determine the definition, pronunciation, and usage of words and phrases.
SPI 0301.1.12
Choose correctly (or incorrectly) spelled words in context.
SPI 0301.1.16
Determine word meanings using prefixes, suffixes and/or context clues.
SPI 0301.1.19
Recognize grade appropriate vocabulary, including multiple-meaning words, within context.
SPI 0301.1.20
Determine word meaning through context clues.
SPI 0401.1.13
Recognize and use grade appropriate vocabulary within context.
SPI 0401.1.14
Use prefixes, suffixes, and root words as aids in determining meaning within context.
SPI 0401.1.16
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar words using context clues, dictionaries, and glossaries.
SPI 0601.8.7
Analyze figurative language (i.e., hyperbole, simile, metaphor, personification,) within context.
TSS.ELA.3.FL.F.5
Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
TSS.ELA.3.FL.PWR.3
Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills when decoding isolated words and in connected text.
TSS.ELA.3.FL.VA.7a
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 3 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of...
TSS.ELA.3.FL.VA.7b
Demonstrate understanding of word relationships and nuances in word meanings.
TSS.ELA.3.FL.VA.7c
Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate conversational, general academic, and domain specific words and phrases, including those that signal spatial...
TSS.ELA.3.RI.KID.1
Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as a basis for the answers.
TSS.ELA.3.RI.RRTC.10
Read and comprehend stories and informational texts at the high end of the grades 2-3 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
TSS.ELA.3.RL.KID.1
Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as a basis for the answers.
TSS.ELA.3.RL.RRTC.10
Read and comprehend stories and poems at the high end of the grades 2-3 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
TSS.ELA.3.SL.PKI.5
Add audio or visual elements when appropriate to emphasize or enhance certain facts or details.
TSS.ELA.4.FL.F.5
Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
TSS.ELA.5.FL.F.5
Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
 
Alignment of this item to academic standards is based on recommendations from content creators, resource curators, and visitors to this website. It is the responsibility of each educator to verify that the materials are appropriate for your content area, aligned to current academic standards, and will be beneficial to your specific students.
 
Learning objectives: 

The student will use background knowledge to comprehend text. 

 

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Extension suggestions: 

Use student sheet while reading or at end of text to record words and phrases that are important to the topic.

Complete KWL chart (Activity Master C.024.SS2).

Helpful Hints

Materials Needed:

  • Text
  • Choose text within students’ instructional-independent reading level range.
  • Select target topic from the text.
  • Student sheet (Activity Master C.024.SS1)
  • Write topic or subject on designated line.
  • Pencil

References

Contributors: