Digging Reading

The ultimate goal of reading instruction is for students to become thoughtful, self-directed, independent readers and learners who can deal with texts without the aid of a teacher. To reach this goal, students need to be proficient with key comprehension strategies.

The Digging Reading program is a comprehensive, 13-week curriculum for teaching nine reading strategies to 4th and 5th grade students. Research-based and field-tested, the program is built around an archeology theme that draws students in and adds an element of adventure.

Target Audience

• Grades 4 & 5

Program Benefits

• Teaches nine crucial reading comprehension strategies
• Instructional methods motivate students to become independent readers and learners
• Materials include an easy-to-use Teacher's Guide, Student Activity Books, posters, quizzes, and tests
• Teacher Training DVD with video demonstrations and training about how to teach comprehension strategies (available with Full Curriculum packages)

How It Works

Digging Reading uses a unique and effective approach to teaching reading comprehension strategies that considers the needs of both the teacher and the students.

Instruction:

Digging Reading uses a synthesis of two methods of teaching strategies that research has shown to be extremely effective—direct explanation of strategies and transactional strategies instruction. This powerful synthesis will equip all students with the strategies they need to become independent learners who are able to deal with various kinds of texts and achieve a variety of purposes as they read.

Student Motivation:

Getting students interested in reading is crucial to their success. Digging Reading emphasizes motivation and engagement.

• Authentic texts were selected with today's students in mind.
• Each lesson begins with an activity to capture students' attention, such as a game or some thought-provoking questions.
• In the lessons, teachers explain to students why reading comprehension strategies are important.

Teacher Training DVD: (available with Full Curriculum packages)

Teachers are expected to assist all of their students in reaching the sophisticated levels of reading comprehension required for success in the classroom and in life. Digging Reading provides extensive resources to help prepare teachers to teach reading comprehension strategies.

What are Reading Comprehension Strategies?

Reading comprehension strategies are "conscious and flexible plans that readers apply and adapt to a variety of texts and tasks" (Pearson, Roehler, Dole, and Duffy). In other words, comprehension strategies are mental tools that assist students in reading and learning. Accomplished readers engage in them in order to better understand, learn from, and remember what they read. For all students— including able students, English language learners, and students who struggle in reading—strategies lead to independence in reading.

The Digging Reading Program teaches nine crucial reading comprehension strategies:

UNIT 1

• Having a Purpose
• Recognizing Text Structure

UNIT 2

• Using Prior Knowledge
• Making Inferences

UNIT 3

• Questioning
• Predicting

UNIT 4

• Determining What is Important
• Summarizing

UNIT 5

• Being Metacognitive