From decoding using context clues to synonyms, antonyms, and homophones, introduce students to good reading strategies. Students learn to adjust reading speed and recognize author's purpose.

Beginning Reading introduces students to good reading strategies. The video is divided into the following segments:

Previewing Skills To preview a book or article, read headings, look at pictures, and skim the words.

Reasons to Read Reading may be to find information or understand another person’s point of view.

Visualizing a Story Create a mental image of people, places, things, and events to understand what you are reading.

Making Predictions All reading materials have clues that can help you make predictions about what is inside.

Decoding Words Decode a word by breaking it into parts or syllables or by looking for its root.

Context Clues Use the context to figure out word meaning.

Looking Up Words Use the book’s glossary to look up word meanings.

Your Word Bank Synonyms are words that have the same meaning. Antonyms have opposite meanings. Homophones have different meanings and spellings but sound the same.

Reading Strategies Use reading strategies to help you make sense of sentences or passages you don’t understand.

Reading Speeds How fast you read may depend on what or why you’re reading.

The Author’s Purpose An author may write to inform, educate, or persuade the reader.

Your Choice: Reading Between the Lions Choose a book based on the type of book or subject, or even a favorite author.


Available in DVD format.

Running time: 30 minutes

Ideal for grades: 3 - 5