ABSTRACT
This chapter begins by delineating the importance of reading for meaning from the very beginning. Too often, early literacy instruction is focused on fragmented skills and young children fail to understand ‘the point’ of reading. Listening comprehension strategies will build a strong foundation for reading comprehension strategies as children’s reading skills develop. In the chapter, the author describes each comprehension strategy in detail and gives examples as to how a teacher might enact the ‘gradual release of responsibility’ model of instruction using high-quality children’s literature in a variety of genres in the classroom.
