Comprehension
Comprehension is the most important part of being a great reader. However, if the foundational building blocks of reading are not in place, comprehension becomes a huge struggle for young readers. When students are able to decode words fluently, reading becomes a source of enjoyment as well as knowledge.
Literacy Solution: Raz-Kids
What is Raz-Kids?
Raz-Kids is an online reading program for students. It begins at the lowest reading level, and students work up as they are ready. Teachers select a reading level for their students, and students work at their own pace. The program will read a story, have students read the story independently, and finally ask questions about the reading. Raz-Kids is designed for early readers through upper elementary students.
How can Raz-Kids be used?
Raz-Kids works very well as a listening center opportunity. Students can listen to the books, read them and then take quizzes. Students can also record themselves reading a book allowing teachers to assess their fluency and take a running record.
What does research say?
Further research is still needed to develop a strong case for eBooks and the effects on comprehension. However, “electronic books decrease or eliminate the need for students to focus on decoding the text, which allows them to focus on comprehending the text instead.”(Gonzalez, 2011, p. 57) From Gonzalez’s work, she was able to conclude that her research was “consistent with earlier findings by Matthew (1997) and Pearman (2008) who both found that electronic text resulted in significantly higher comprehension scores when measured through retelling.” (2011, p. 137)
Since eBooks such as Raz-Kids offer several different interactive features, these features have the ability to increase the engagement of individuals and even build their understanding of the text and how to use it for retelling and answering other questions. These features provide a different modality for learning and help students retain more information. (Frye, p. 54-55)
Resources:
Gonzalez, M. R. (2011). The effect of interactive ebooks on the reading comprehension of struggling readers and students with reading disabilities. (Order No. AAI3426078, Dissertation Abstracts International Section A: Humanities and Social Sciences, , 4354. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.msu.edu /login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/884684206?accountid=12598. (884684206; 2011-99110-534)
Frye, S. K. (2014). The implications of interactive eBooks on comprehension. (Order No. 3613594, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey - New Brunswick). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, , 86. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.msu.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview /1504644338?accountid=12598. (1504644338).
Literacy Solution: Raz-Kids
What is Raz-Kids?
Raz-Kids is an online reading program for students. It begins at the lowest reading level, and students work up as they are ready. Teachers select a reading level for their students, and students work at their own pace. The program will read a story, have students read the story independently, and finally ask questions about the reading. Raz-Kids is designed for early readers through upper elementary students.
How can Raz-Kids be used?
Raz-Kids works very well as a listening center opportunity. Students can listen to the books, read them and then take quizzes. Students can also record themselves reading a book allowing teachers to assess their fluency and take a running record.
What does research say?
Further research is still needed to develop a strong case for eBooks and the effects on comprehension. However, “electronic books decrease or eliminate the need for students to focus on decoding the text, which allows them to focus on comprehending the text instead.”(Gonzalez, 2011, p. 57) From Gonzalez’s work, she was able to conclude that her research was “consistent with earlier findings by Matthew (1997) and Pearman (2008) who both found that electronic text resulted in significantly higher comprehension scores when measured through retelling.” (2011, p. 137)
Since eBooks such as Raz-Kids offer several different interactive features, these features have the ability to increase the engagement of individuals and even build their understanding of the text and how to use it for retelling and answering other questions. These features provide a different modality for learning and help students retain more information. (Frye, p. 54-55)
Resources:
Gonzalez, M. R. (2011). The effect of interactive ebooks on the reading comprehension of struggling readers and students with reading disabilities. (Order No. AAI3426078, Dissertation Abstracts International Section A: Humanities and Social Sciences, , 4354. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.msu.edu /login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/884684206?accountid=12598. (884684206; 2011-99110-534)
Frye, S. K. (2014). The implications of interactive eBooks on comprehension. (Order No. 3613594, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey - New Brunswick). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, , 86. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.msu.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview /1504644338?accountid=12598. (1504644338).