Overview

As students progress through school, the literature they read becomes increasingly complicated. At the secondary level, assigned literature has many words which students do not use in everyday vocabulary. Comprehension, then, depends not only on vocabulary and background information but also knowledge of narrative text elements.

Narrative and expository text have many of the same text structures. However, narrative text is initially easier to teach and for students to comprehend. In this module, we'll first address During Reading strategies that help support students' comprehension of narrative, or story, text.

Next, you'll apply what you've discovered about narrative text and its associated graphic organizers to expository text structures. You'll also learn the seven expository text structures, some of which are the same as narrative structures. Proficiency in analyzing narrative and expository text also provides a framework for writing both types of text.

Activity Checklist

Open the Learning Activity Checklist (pdf).

Module Four Objectives

At the completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Identify typical elements of narrative texts and create lesson plans using narrative text connected with her or his content area.
• Articulate the need for pre-reading, during, and after reading strategies to create a foundation for successful reading.
• Develop a set of before, during, and after reading strategies for a specific lesson or unit.
• Compare and contrast current thoughts regarding differences in learning preferences and apply those styles to reading tasks and assignments.
• Utilize specific motivational strategies to promote reading growth.
  
• Plan reading and vocabulary strategies that are appropriate to the grade level and reading abilities of his or her classroom.