Melissa & Lori Love Literacy ™

Ep. 157: Science of Reading Beyond Phonics: Reading Comprehension Blueprint with Nancy Hennessy

Aug 4, 2023

Join Melissa and Lori as they discuss the intricate processes of reading comprehension with Nancy Hennessy, a reading comprehension expert and acclaimed author. They explore the complexity of comprehension, the role of language skills, the importance of reading strategies, and the blueprint for teaching comprehension. They also provide practical strategies for planning reading lessons, developing essential questions, and reflecting on curriculum and materials.

01:00:52

Episode guests

Nancy Hennessy

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Comprehension involves multiple linguistic and cognitive processes, and teachers should focus on developing vocabulary and language comprehension skills.

The Reading Comprehension Blueprint is a flexible framework that helps teachers plan and teach comprehension, emphasizing vocabulary and background knowledge development.

Deep dives

The Complexity of Comprehension

Comprehension is a complex process that goes beyond a single skill or strategy. It involves multiple linguistic and cognitive processes, as well as background knowledge. Comprehension is not just about finding the main idea, but about extracting and constructing meaning. To teach comprehension effectively, teachers need to understand the different contributors to comprehension and how they interact. It is important to focus on developing both vocabulary and language comprehension skills, while also considering the context and purpose of the reading task. Strategies can be helpful in supporting comprehension, but they are not the sole focus. Teachers should aim to develop students' overall understanding through active processing and engagement with the text.

Introduction

2min

The Complexity of Reading Comprehension

13min

Understanding the Language Base for Comprehension and the Importance of Working Directly with Text

2min

The Role of Reading Strategies in Comprehension

15min

Blueprint for Reading Comprehension and Potential Additions

2min

Practical Strategies for Planning a Reading Lesson for Fifth Graders

10min

Developing Essential Questions and Curriculum

14min

Reflecting on Curriculum and Materials for Reading Comprehension

3min

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What if the key to unlocking your students' reading comprehension could be found through a deeper understanding of the intricate processes at work in their minds? Prepare to have your teaching world transformed as we journey with reading comprehension expert and acclaimed author, Nancy Hennessy. Together, we’ll map out the cognitive and linguistic processes that underpin comprehension, and navigate the complex interaction between a reader's knowledge, the text itself, and the author's intent.

As teachers, we play an integral role in shaping the reading journey of our students. Witness how the Reading Comprehension Blueprint can revolutionize your instructional design as we discuss how to thoughtfully consider the task, text, and context. Learn how to integrate prior background knowledge and foster mental models of understanding. Be part of our examination of comprehension as an essential pillar of reading and join us as we demystify the science behind this crucial skill.

Finally, imagine having a blueprint that offers a flexible framework that aligns seamlessly with the science of comprehension. Listen as we delve into the importance of planning for instruction, pinpointing the key takeaways for your students, and exploring types of texts and text sets. Learn how to identify the contributors to comprehension and teach your students to become masters of their own understanding. Buckle up and get ready to revolutionize your approach to teaching reading comprehension.

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