Grade 3 Reading Comprehension Scaffolding
Building Strong Readers Through Step-by-Step Support RL.2 and RI.2 Standards Focus Grade 3 English Language Arts
What is Reading Comprehension?
Understanding what we read Making connections to the story Remembering important details Thinking about characters and events
Think About It!
When you read a story, what helps you understand it better? What do you do when you don't understand something?
Step 1: Preview Before You Read
Look at the title and pictures Make predictions about the story Think about what you already know Set a purpose for reading
Practice: Picture Walk
Choose a new book from your book box Look at the cover and pictures only Write or draw one prediction Share with a partner
Step 2: Ask Questions While Reading
Who are the main characters? Where and when does this happen? What is the problem or main idea? How do characters feel?
Fiction vs. Nonfiction Questions
{"left":"Who are the characters?\nWhat is the setting?\nWhat is the problem?\nHow is it solved?","right":"What is the main topic?\nWhat facts did I learn?\nHow is information organized?\nWhat is the author's purpose?"}
Step 3: Find the Main Idea and Details
Main idea = the most important message Details = facts that support the main idea Ask: What is this mostly about? Look for repeated words or topics
Main Idea Detective
Read the short passage together Highlight or underline key details Discuss: What is this passage mostly about? Write the main idea in one sentence
Putting It All Together
Preview first - look and predict Ask questions while reading Find main idea and supporting details Practice makes perfect readers!