One of the characteristics that separates  good readers from poor readers is what the reader does when s/he realizes that the text has stopped being meaningful. Good readers have “fix-up” strategies that they use to help reconnect with text and regain meaning. Poor readers, on the other hand, more often than not, become overwhelmed and simply give up. Be sure to teach your students what good readers do when they lose meaning. Tips to share are:

1.  Go back and reread.

2. Read ahead to see if the meaning becomes clear as you read more.

3. Read the text more slowly or read the text aloud.

4. See if there are any clues you can use such as pictures, illustrations, or other words in the sentence.

5. Look up a word that is confusing or ask someone to help clarify the meaning of a new word, a sentence or a section of text as may be needed.

When students practice using their fix-up strategies, they become more proficient and successful readers.