Although reading comprehension is quite complex, Mrs. Heaney narrows her focus to three strategies: setting purpose for reading, clarifying and summarizing. She wants her students to become independent with these before she adds more complexity. She chooses Letters from Rifka by Karen Hesse: a text on the students’ instructional and emotional level; written as fast-paced, personal letters introduced with a short poem.

Below are the links to Mrs. Heaney's lesson. For a complete view, follow the series in order by using the Next or Previous buttons to navigate through the lesson. It may be beneficial to print the observation checklist included with the Resources before you begin and complete it while viewing the lesson.