How to Improve Comprehension Skills in 8th Grade Students

How to Improve Comprehension Skills in 8th Grade Students

As students transition from elementary to middle school, comprehension skills become a crucial component of their academic success. However, many 8th graders struggle with reading comprehension, which can negatively impact their grades and their ability to learn. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ways to improve comprehension skills in 8th grade students.

1. Encourage Active Reading

Many students read passively, which means they go through the motions of reading without actively engaging with the material. To improve comprehension skills, students need to read actively. Active reading involves asking questions, making predictions, and summarizing information as they go. Teachers can encourage active reading by modeling these strategies and giving students plenty of opportunities to practice.

2. Teach Vocabulary in Context

Vocabulary plays a critical role in reading comprehension. If students don’t understand the words they’re reading, they’ll have a hard time making sense of the text. To improve vocabulary, teachers should teach new words in context, so students can see how they’re used in sentences and understand their meanings. Teachers can also use graphic organizers and word webs to help students make connections between new words and their prior knowledge.

3. Connect Text to Students’ Background Knowledge

Students learn best when they can connect new information to what they already know. Teachers can help students make these connections by activating prior knowledge before reading and asking text-dependent questions after reading. When students see how the information in the text relates to their own experiences, they’re more likely to understand and remember it.

4. Use Graphic Organizers

Graphic organizers are a powerful tool for visual learners and can help all students improve their comprehension skills. Graphic organizers like concept maps, flowcharts, and Venn diagrams can help students organize their thoughts and make connections between ideas. Teachers should model the use of graphic organizers and give students plenty of opportunities to practice using them.

5. Monitor Comprehension

It’s essential to monitor students’ comprehension as they read to ensure they’re understanding the material. Teachers can use a variety of strategies for monitoring comprehension, such as asking questions, conducting think-alouds, and using comprehension checks like exit tickets. When teachers can identify areas where students are struggling, they can provide additional support and re-teach concepts as needed.

Conclusion

Improving comprehension skills is critical for 8th grade students, and it’s a process that requires active engagement, vocabulary development, connections to prior knowledge, graphic organizers, and monitoring. By implementing these strategies, teachers can help students become more skilled readers and improve their academic performance.