Table of Contents
Part I: Readers, Texts and Levels—and What It Means for Comprehension
Comprehension Goals and Considerations
Reader and Text Variables that Impact Comprehension
Merging Levels and Comprehension: What to Expect in the Parts Ahead
Part II: Fiction: Texts, Readers, and Comprehension
Studying Fiction and Supporting Readers: A Framework for Comprehension
Understanding Fiction Texts: A Level-by-Level Guide to Characteristics
Understanding Fiction Readers: A Goal-by-Goal Guide to Readers’ Comprehension of Increasingly Complex Texts
Plot and Setting
Character
Vocabulary and Figurative Language
Themes and Ideas
Part III: Nonfiction: Texts, Readers, and Comprehension
Studying Nonfiction and Supporting Readers: A Framework for Comprehension
Understanding Nonfiction Texts: A Level-by-Level Guide to Characteristics
Understanding Nonfiction Readers: A Goal-by-Goal Guide to Readers’ Comprehension of Increasingly Complex Texts
Main Idea
Key Details
Vocabulary
Text Features
Part IV: Assessment and Instruction: Bringing Your Understanding of Texts and Readers to the Classroom
Knowing Students: Interests, Language, Culture, Background Knowledge, and More
Assessing and Evaluating Comprehension
Matching Readers With “Just Right” Books
Conducting Goal-Setting Conferences
Using a Variety of Reading Strategies for Teaching Comprehension
Using a Variety Structures: Methods for Teaching Comprehension
Conclusion: The Alchemy of Reading