B: A Reading Lesson

Session 5 provided you with many different ways you could help your learner decode words. Helping your learner understand and use grammar (or the syntax) will be discussed later in this session.
You may wonder how you can help the learner "understand meaning." Using an integrated approach, where the learner speaks, listens, reads and writes about the same topic, will be helpful. However, the way you plan the reading portion of your lesson will help your learner to understand more clearly. The following can be used to help guide you when you teach a reading passage to your high-beginner to advanced learner.

Before the session: Planning your lesson

• Choose an interesting text.
  • This should be something that the learner will relate to and find relevant. Ensure that the piece is an appropriate length. (Learners should also be encouraged to bring their own reading material.)
  • Research has shown that an interest in the reading topic is more important than the number of words the learner does (or does not) know in the article. However, it is important that you do not give the learner material that will frustrate or demoralize her. Let her choose from a variety of different materials about a topic of interest.
  • If your learner is interested in reading a certain type of text (i.e. a newspaper), bring several different samples from which your learner can choose. Different newspapers are geared towards different audiences. The Sun would be easier for your learner to read than The Leader Post or The Star Phoenix. Also have The Globe and Mail on hand should your learner want a challenge.
• Choose materials at an appropriate level.
  • Try not to introduce reading materials with a lot of vocabulary that is new unless it is contextualized.
  • Children's books are full of pictures, which help establish the context of the story. Feel free to give your learner the option of reading these. Some learners may appreciate the opportunity to practice reading a book that they can later take home to their children. Other learners may find the use of children's books offensive.
• Find visual aids to assist you in presenting the text.
  • While some materials will have ample photographs and visual aids, others may not.