3.3 Using Reading Resources, Graphics, and Organizers

Using Reading Resources, Graphics, and Organizers

Non-fiction texts and academic materials contain specialized layouts and visual aids that help organize information. Learning to navigate these resources is a core part of developing reading comprehension. Paraprofessionals are frequently tasked with guiding students in the use of graphic organizers and non-fiction reference aids. Additionally, paraprofessionals must understand how to support students when working with texts at different reading levels to ensure instruction is both accessible and challenging.

Using Graphic Organizers

Graphic organizers are visual representations of knowledge that help students structure their thinking, identify relationships, and organize key information. They are highly effective for all students, particularly visual learners, English Language Learners (ELLs), and students with learning disabilities.

Paraprofessionals frequently support students in using the following organizers:

1. Venn Diagrams

A Venn diagram consists of two or more overlapping circles. It is the premier tool for comparing and contrasting two or more concepts, characters, books, or historical events.

• Outer Circles: Used to list features or characteristics unique to each item.
• Overlapping Center: Used to list features that both items share in common.
• Paraprofessional Tip: Help students brainstorm details by asking: "Is this true for only Character A, only Character B, or both?"

2. KWL Charts (Know, Want to know, Learned)

A KWL chart is a three-column graphic organizer used before, during, and after a reading unit.

• K (What I Know): Filled out before reading. Actively stimulates prior knowledge (schema).
• W (What I Want to Know): Filled out before reading. Helps students set a purpose and formulate questions.
• L (What I Learned): Filled out after reading. Summarizes new knowledge and checks if their initial questions in the "W" column were answered.
• Paraprofessional Tip: Encourage students who struggle with the "W" column by asking: "If you could ask an expert on this topic one question, what would it be?"

3. Story Maps

A story map is used for narrative texts (fiction) to identify and analyze key elements of a story.

• Key Components: Typically includes boxes for Characters, Setting (where and when), Problem/Conflict, Plot Events (beginning, middle, end), and Resolution (how the problem is solved).
• Paraprofessional Tip: Use a story map during reading to help students track the plot, filling it out step-by-step as characters face conflicts.

4. Sequencing Flowcharts and Cause-and-Effect Diagrams

• Flowcharts: Visual chains of boxes with arrows showing chronological order or steps in a process (e.g., the life cycle of a butterfly).
• Cause-and-Effect Diagrams: Connects actions (causes) with their results (effects), helping students understand causal relationships in science and history texts.

Navigating Non-Fiction Reference Aids

Informational (non-fiction) books contain structural aids that help readers find and comprehend information. Students often need explicit guidance from a paraprofessional to use these tools effectively.

• Table of Contents: Found at the front of the book. It lists the chapters or major sections in chronological order along with page numbers. Use this to get an overview of the book's structure.
• Index: Found at the very back of the book. It is an alphabetical list of highly specific topics, names, and terms, along with the exact page numbers where they are mentioned.
• Glossary: Found at the back of the book. It is an alphabetical list of specialized or technical terms and their definitions.
• Headings and Subheadings: Text titles that divide the book into smaller, manageable sections. They tell the reader what the next section of text will be about.
• Captions and Labels: Text near photographs, maps, or illustrations that explains what is shown. Paraprofessionals should prompt students to read captions, as they often contain critical context.

Selecting Appropriate Text Levels

To prevent frustration and promote reading growth, texts must match the student's reading ability. Reading levels are broadly categorized into three zones:

1. Independent Level (95% - 100% word accuracy): The text is easy for the student. They can read it without assistance, making very few decoding errors, and demonstrating high comprehension. This level is ideal for silent reading, library time, and home reading.
2. Instructional Level (90% - 94% word accuracy): The text is challenging but manageable. The student can read it with some scaffolding. This is the optimal level for small-group instruction led by a teacher or paraprofessional.
3. Frustration Level (Below 90% word accuracy): The text is too difficult. The student makes frequent decoding errors, comprehension is very low, and they quickly become discouraged. This text should not be used for instruction unless the paraprofessional is reading it aloud or providing intensive support.

• The Five Finger Rule: A simple way for a student to check if a book is at their level. Have the student read one page. Every time they hit a word they do not know, they hold up a finger. If they reach 5 fingers before finishing the page, the book is at their frustration level.

Worked Classroom Scenario: Navigating the Index

• The Setting: 4th-grade social studies research project.
• The Student's Behavior: A student is flipping through a 200-page book on American history, trying to find information about "the Boston Tea Party." They are growing frustrated and claim, "This book has nothing about it."
• The Paraprofessional's Action: The paraprofessional stops the student and turns to the back of the book. "Let's use the Index. What letter does 'Boston' start with?" The student says, "B." The paraprofessional guides them to the 'B' section of the index. They locate "Boston Tea Party" and see "pages 87, 89, 102." The paraprofessional asks, "Which page should we turn to first?" The student turns to page 87 and finds the information immediately. The paraprofessional explains how this saves time compared to flipping pages.