How can parents and teachers help struggling readers improve their ability to make conclusions?

Improving a struggling reader's ability to make conclusions after reading a text requires a multi-faceted approach. First, teachers can explicitly teach the skill of drawing conclusions by modeling the process for students. This can involve using think-alouds to demonstrate how to use clues from the text to draw inferences and make predictions about what might happen next. Teachers can also provide students with graphic organizers to help them organize their thinking and identify key details and ideas in the text.

Another effective strategy is to provide students with opportunities to engage in discussions and debates about the text. This can help students to develop critical thinking skills and make connections between different parts of the text. Teachers can also encourage students to ask questions and challenge assumptions about the text, which can help to deepen their understanding and improve their ability to draw conclusions.

Encouraging students to read widely and frequently can also help to improve their ability to make conclusions after reading a text. Exposure to a range of texts can help students to develop a better understanding of how authors use language to convey meaning and create mood and atmosphere. This can in turn help students to draw inferences and make predictions about what might happen next in a text.

Finally, teachers can use a variety of assessment tools to monitor students' progress in drawing conclusions. This can include assessments such as open-ended questions, graphic organizers, and writing prompts that require students to use evidence from the text to support their conclusions. Teachers can also use self-reflection and peer review activities to help students reflect on their own learning and identify areas for improvement.

In conclusion, improving a struggling reader's ability to make conclusions after reading a text requires a multi-faceted approach that involves explicit instruction, opportunities for discussion and debate, exposure to a range of texts, and ongoing assessment and feedback. By using these strategies, teachers can help struggling readers to develop critical thinking skills, deepen their understanding of texts, and improve their ability to draw conclusions based on evidence from the text.