Comprehension strategies are routines and procedures that readers use to help them make sense of texts. Struggling adolescent readers need direct, explicit instruction in comprehension strategies to improve their reading comprehension.

This article summarizes a study that evaluated the effectiveness of intensive instruction in the Word Identification Strategy, a learning strategy for decoding multi-syllabic words. Results indicate that intense strategy instruction within a relatively short time period can boost students' decoding skills by several grade levels.

This site gives a thorough biography of Defoe. It includes quotes from his writing and information about his most important works.

Are we addicted to our devices, and, if so, are companies to blame? The word "addiction" packs a heavy punch, and the research is inconclusive on whether it's truly accurate when it comes to digital device use. What's certain, however, is that as people use devices and apps more, profits increase for the companies who make them. Help your students recognize how most of the technology they use is designed to keep them hooked, and help them use this as an opportunity to find more balance in their digital lives. Approximately 60 mins.

LESSON OBJECTIVES: Analyze and draw conclusions about a series of photos depicting device use. Use online resources to track arguments for and against whether we are addicted to our devices. Complete a short writing assignment analyzing one or more aspects related to the device addiction debate.

How does internet advertising contribute to the spread of disinformation? Well-crafted headlines benefit everyone. They help readers digest information and publishers sell news stories. But what if the headline is misleading? What if it's crafted just to get clicks or even to spread disinformation? "Clickbait" headlines may benefit advertisers and publishers, but they don't benefit readers. Help students recognize and analyze clickbait when they see it. Approximately 45 mins.

LESSON OBJECTIVES: Describe how advertisers and publishers make money through online advertising. Describe how clickbait can contribute to the spread of fake news and disinformation. Use the Take a Stand thinking routine to consider different perspectives about whose responsibility it is to fight fake news and disinformation.

This modular ELA collection for grades 6–12 invites students to explore the complexity of identity and develop a sense of agency as they reflect on what it means to grow up in the world today.

The collection includes:
- Back to School Toolkit
- Introductory lesson
- Multi-genre text sets
- Unit Guide for teaching Jacqueline Woodson’s Brown Girl Dreaming
- Unit Planning Guide for developing a unit on a book of your choice
- Book Club Guide
- Whole School Read Planning Guide

The resources in this collection help you diversify the range of stories that students read and combine reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills with ethical and empathic reflection.

How can we counter online hate speech and xenophobia? As humans, we thrive on social connections and group associations. But this tendency can also lead us to be suspicious of people outside our group. This fear -- xenophobia -- can be overcome by more exposure to people who are different from us. However, the internet can often make this more difficult. Help students recognize this challenge and find strategies for navigating content online. Approximately 50 mins.

LESSON OBJECTIVES: Describe the relationship between hate speech and xenophobia. Analyze how the internet has contributed to an increase in hate speech and extremist views. Describe one way to use the internet to combat one type of hate speech.

In this brief article, the author considers the ways that readers interpret text. An interesting comparison between reading and viewing a painting is worth a look.

How can I create a social media presence that represents the real me? Social media gives us a chance to choose how we present ourselves to the world. We can snap and share a pic in the moment or carefully stage photos and select only the ones we think are best. When students reflect on these choices, they can better understand the self they are presenting and the self they aim to be. Approximately 50 mins.

LESSON OBJECTIVES: Describe how their curated self may or may not represent their real self. Analyze the benefits and drawbacks of representing different parts of their real self online. Create an avatar that represents both their real and curated selves.

This college instructor offers his insights into critical reading and how to develop skills to interpret as well as comprehend the written word. RL.9-10.1, RL.11-12.1, RI.9-10.1 textual evidence and inference.

This video lesson focuses on inferences including the definition, how to determine the strength of an inference, and the role of inferences in writing. [5:47] RL.9-10.1, RL. 11-12, RI.9-10.1, RI.11-12.1 textual evidence and inferences

Glenn Foss, an instructor at Palomar College, discusses some possible reasons why students have problems reading and recalling textbook material. Provides an outline for seven steps of effectively reading assigned material.

A detailed essay on the works of Victorian author Matthew Arnold. Includes quotes from many of his famous works and an extensive bibliography. With links to many of his poems, including Dover Beach, Consolation, The Buried Life, and more.

How can you respect the privacy of others online? Tagging friends on social media is a great way to connect with others and capture memorable experiences. But what if they don't want to be tagged? Encourage your students to take responsibility for how they may affect the digital footprints of others. Approximately 50 mins.

LESSON OBJECTIVES: Define "digital reputation," and identify examples of social media posts that can have a positive or negative effect. Use the 1-2-3-1 Perspectives activity to consider the causes and effects of posting about others online. Generate a list of questions to ask themselves before posting pictures or information about someone else.

Compare these two passages for some interesting ideas about how technology affects our lives. The questions that follow ask you to identify the main idea from either direct statement or inference.

How can I make sure my relationships are healthy and positive? "It's complicated" can describe many of our relationships with others, both romantic and otherwise. Add digital devices and social media to the mix, and things get complicated even further. Help students take the first step toward building healthy and rewarding friendships and romantic relationships, both online and off. Approximately 45 mins.

LESSON OBJECTIVES: Reflect on how their relationships are affected by devices and the internet. Identify the qualities of healthy and rewarding relationships. Use the Feelings & Options thinking routine to brainstorm strategies for navigating challenging relationships.

What privacy risks do new technologies present, and how do we decide if they're worth it? New tech, like location services and smart devices, helps make our lives easier and opens opportunities that didn't exist before. But these innovations also come with a cost -- especially to our privacy. Help students consider the benefits and drawbacks of these new technologies -- and decide whether they're ultimately worth it. Approximately 50 mins.

LESSON OBJECTIVES: Identify important benefits and privacy risks that new technologies present. Decide whether or not the benefits of new technologies outweigh their privacy risks. Use the Take a Stand thinking routine to consider both the benefits and the risks of new technologies.

How does your social media use affect how you feel? Social media plays a big role in most teens' lives, and research shows that it causes intense feelings -- both positive and negative. But not all media use is the same. There are many benefits that come with both active and passive media use. For better social and emotional well-being, encourage students to become creators of digital media, not just consumers. Approximately 50 mins.

LESSON OBJECTIVES: Reflect on how their social media use makes them feel and how it compares to other teenagers'. Describe how active and passive social media use can lead to positive and negative feelings. Identify action steps to increase their positive feelings when using social media.