Mastering Comprehension in 8th Grade: Tips and Tricks for Success
As students move into 8th grade, the expectations rise considerably, and the curriculum is more complex. With this added pressure, comprehension skills become even more critical. Young adults at this age face many distractions and are trying to find their way in the world. Nevertheless, mastering comprehension requires consistency, focus, and dedication.
Here are some tips and tricks to help 8th-grade students improve their comprehension skills:
1. Activate Your Prior Knowledge
Before you start reading, activate your prior knowledge. If you’re reading about a particular topic, consider what you already know about it. This strategy helps comprehension by linking new information to prior knowledge.
2. Make Connections
Closely related to activating prior knowledge is making connections. Connections can be made within the text or with information outside of the text. Make connections between what you’re reading and your life, events, or other things you’ve read.
3. Visualize
Visualizing while you read can improve comprehension, especially when it comes to difficult texts. Encourage students to try and create an image in their minds of what is happening as they read.
4. Monitor Comprehension
It’s essential to monitor your comprehension while you read. If you come across something that you don’t understand, re-read it, or stop to clarify the meaning.
5. Ask Questions
Asking questions is a great way to check your comprehension and get clarification on concepts you are unsure about. Students should ask themselves questions as they read and write down any questions that come to mind.
6. Summarize
Summarizing is an excellent way to test your comprehension. After reading a section, summarize the key points in your own words. This process helps cement information in your brain.
7. Practice, Practice, Practice
Finally, the more you read, the better you get at comprehension. Encourage students to read widely and regularly. Reading skills will build over time, and practice is essential.
In conclusion, comprehension skills are critical, especially in 8th grade, when expectations begin to rise. Encourage students to activate prior knowledge, make connections, visualize, monitor comprehension, ask questions, summarize, and practice reading widely. With these tips, students can master comprehension and begin to take control of their academic success.
