Vocabulary is a key for sure. They need to not only understand what they are reading, but also what the questions are asking of them. I �d take it in small bites. 1. Start with a short passage; one paragraph. Have them work in pairs to look up any words they don �t understand in the dictionary. (I avoid the electronic dictionaries, as it seems they remember better by using the process of actually working out alphabetically where the word is.)[Concerning dictionary use, the trick is getting them to understand that the dictionary is a great resourse when they are confused. Not always easy i agree, but dictionary games can make it more fun and once they get the practice in they will see that it �s really quite easy to use a dictionary. Just like anything... it takes practic,e practice, practice. LOL]
2. Then I would write on the board/ or hand out a few questions. (2-3 muiltiple choice and one open ended.) Then we talk about the questions one at a time, talk about any confusing words, and together figure out what the question is asking.
3. Then i �d have them use a hilighter and hilight the answers in the text, and give the correct answer, directly from the text in the open ended question. Writing the answer in their own words comes later once they have learned how to track down the answers.
Do this a few times a week and eventually they will get it. Also hopefully... they will begin to use their dictionaries.
Anyone out there have a nice collection of dictionary games? I have one worksheet on the use of a dictionary, but it �s not a game. Worksheets like this are a good start, to give the kids a basic idea of how a dictionary is set up, and how to use it. Once they have this context then you practice and try to make it fun. Eventually it becomes easy.
Best of luck to you. Hang in there. Frustration is normal.
When my students don �t seem to be "getting it", I then break it into smaller pieces. First take baby steps.... and in time they will begin to run. :-)
