We have learned:
*Proficient readers use nonfiction text features (captions, headings, diagrams, etc…) to help them "rev up their minds" to get ready to read the text. This means they are preparing their minds to understand the text by making reasonable predictions. As they read, they check to see if their predictions are correct.
*Proficient readers don't just read for random facts, they read to determine the main idea. They consider what the author is trying to teach the reader. Third graders are learning to recognize main ideas and details as "boxes and bullets." The main idea is the box. The details are the bullets.
*Proficient readers synthesize as they read. Third graders don't call it synthesizing. However, they are learning that they should think about how one section of text relates to earlier sections of the text.
Be on the lookout for other helpful hints! It's even great to read nonfiction texts together at home!