Strategy for Struggling Readers: Using Context as a Clue

We use context constantly. No matter where we go or what we do, we depend upon context to help us make sense of the world. We use context when ordering an unfamiliar dish in a restaurant, by comparing it to something that comes from our own culinary tradition. We use context when navigating a subway station, by drawing upon our knowledge of maps, neighborhoods, and cardinal directions. And, of course, we depend upon context clues every time we sit down to read a book (whether we're completely conscious of it or not!). If your child is a struggling reader (i.e. reading one to three years below grade level), a better understanding of context can make a world of difference.

There are dozens of effective ways to teach the concept of using context as a clue. Today, we'll look at particularly useful, research-based (Ogle, 1986) method: the K-W-L chart. This chart is a before-and-after reading strategy in which students explore what they already know (K) about a topic, what they want (W) to know about a topic, and what they learned (L) after doing the reading. A K-W-L chart takes context a step further than many context lessons. It doesn't just ask the student to rely upon context clues within the reading assignment; it also allows them to use their own life and knowledge base as a strong contextual tool.

Let's look at one scenario in which a K-W-L chart would be quite helpful. You can use this description as a starting point for using the K-W-L concept in your own tutoring.

Example: Using K-W-L to Understand Science. For a striving reader, science texts can be particularly daunting. Not only are the concepts a bit more advanced than in self-selected texts (such as a magazine or a young-adult novel), but the passages often include totally new vocabulary. Students are expected to synthesize the concept and learn the subject-specific terminology. This is where a K-W-L chart can really come in handy. Imagine that your student is struggling to read a chapter about rock formations. There are big words in the chapter—strange words like "igneous" and "sedimentary." What to do?

First, ask your child what she already knows about rocks. Remember that this does not have to be a sophisticated explanation! She might say, "I know that some rocks are rough and others are smooth." Or, she may know that rocks can be found on the tops of mountains and at the bottom of the ocean. She may even have real-life experience collecting unique rocks. Write all of these ideas under the "K" heading on the K-W-L chart.

Next, ask your child what she would like to learn about rocks. Perhaps she would like to know the names of the different types of rocks. She might want to know which rocks are found in certain places in the world. She may be curious about how rocks are formed and how they change over time. All of these are great topics to explore; write them down under the "W" heading on the chart.

Now, your child should read the passage. She can either read silently, or you and she can take turns reading (you'll want to make this decision based on her ability level). After she has read the passage, it's time to discuss the final portion of the chart—what she learned. Try to make connections between all portions of the chart. For example, if she wanted to know how rocks change over time, and that topic was addressed in the passage, you will want to note that (and compliment her ability to ask good questions!).

Wherever possible, connect the "L" portion of the cart to the "K" portion of the chart. For instance, the passage might contain information about smooth and rough rocks. Help build your child's confidence by telling her that she already knew something very important about rocks—before she even read the passage! This type of confidence-boosting is crucial for striving readers, who often become discouraged when they think reading is "too hard."

Of course, K-W-L is a cross-discipline approach that can be useful no matter what subject your child is studying. The important thing is that he is using his own life experience as a great context clue—and asking the sorts of questions that great readers ask!

If you need to find a tutor who can help your struggling reader, this is the right place to locate tutors who specialize in reading skills.