Hello. I teach intermediate resource. I have a great program for teaching reading, but I like to give my kids a break and do something different two days a week. This year I would like to focus on reading comprehension. I love to read books to them, but those with severe comprehension problems just aren’t getting it. I would appreciate any tips/activities that promote comprehension that are easy to implement. Please keep in mind that I have already spent all my budget money for the year!
check out News-2-You
It uses Meyer Johnson pictures ala writing with symbols to help kids with comprehension. It is good for kids who are low and need pictorial support. It also comes in a higher version. It has current events that the kids just love.
You can find it on the web at http://www.news-2-you.com
You might want to consider purchasing the Visualizing and Verbalizing Manual from Lindamood Bell. I adapts rather easily to a classroom and is fun for the students. Although I teach writing, not reading, at a school for students with LDs and ADD, I’ve found that the visualizing techniques not only help with reading comprehension but also with descriptive writing in particular, and with organization in writing.
If you have extra money (and time!) I like the SRA Specific Skills Series for independent practice of comprehension skills after students have become somewhat proficient with V/V.
Okay…I just reread your post…you don’t have the money, but the Specific Skills Series is as old as the hills. You might find a set sitting in the old dusty book room at you school. The series was written by Richard Boning, and has been through a few name changes. The V/V manual is only about $50, and well worth the expense.
Karyn
Karyn