Module 5: Reading Comprehension

5.1 The Simple View of Reading

Learning Intentions

After viewing this module session participants will be able to: 

• Explain how the Simple View of Reading helps us understand reading comprehension difficulties
  
• Determine if reading comprehension problems are the result of word-reading problems, language problems, or both
  

View

watch the session below.

*Please see the Transcripts resource folder located in Module 0 for a text copy of the transcript from this video. 

Summary

• Reading comprehension is based upon two broad skills, 1) word-level reading and 2) language comprehension 
• When a student struggles in reading comprehension, it is useful to find out if that student would comprehend if the passage were read to him or her
  
• Some students struggle in reading comprehension based upon difficulties in language comprehension
  
• Skills in the limited vocabulary of “everyday language” may mask a broader language deficit that may hinder reading comprehension
  

Reflect & Connect

What has been your understanding of reading comprehension difficulties? How, if at all, does the Simple View clarify your understanding?

5.2 Skills Required for Language Comprehension and Reading Comprehension

Learning Intentions

After viewing this module session participants will be able to: 

• Identify the critical skills needed for language comprehension
  
• Describe what is a situation model and how it affects reading comprehension
  
• Indicate how critical skills knowledge contribute to the situation model
  

View

watch the session below.

*Please see the Transcripts resource folder located in Module 0 for a text copy of the transcript from this video. 

Summary

• When word-level reading is average or better, reading comprehension and language comprehension share most of the same critical skills
  
• There are numerous skills needed for language/reading comprehension, such a vocabulary, background knowledge, inferencing, and working memory
  
• English Learners will struggle in this area for years and their development must be supported for years
  

Reflect & Connect

How might a teacher promote the critical skills of reading comprehension across content areas?