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Mrs. Cohen

Study Strategies

How to Ask Questions

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Literacy Mission Statement

Independent Reading

Reading Strategy Posters

Test/Quiz Study Strategies

I Read It, But Don't Get It

1. SQ3R

I Am A Successful Student!
How To Read A Textbook
In 5 Easy Steps!

Adapted from coping.org by Mr. Corey & Mrs. Goss

The SQRRR (SQ3R) method was initiated after WWII to help the many soldiers who entered college to learn more effectively. The steps in the method are as follows:

S=Survey
Q=Question
R=Read
R=Record
R=Recite/Review

This technique is not limited to textbook reading. It can be employed in any kind of reading passages across all grade levels. A description of each step follows.

SURVEY
Glance over headings in the chapter to see the main points which will be developed. Also read the final summary paragraph, if the chapter has one. Look at pictures, graphs, charts, tables, visual aids, and vocabulary. Read the questions listed at the end of the chapter. Make guesses as to what the chapter is about and take a survey of yourself to determine what you already know about the subject. This orientation will help you to organize ideas as you read them and to focus your attention.

QUESTION
Turn the first heading into a question using HOW, WHAT, WHICH, WHY, or WHERE statements OR turn the heading into a direction using EXPLAIN, DESCRIBE, or LIST. This establishes a purpose for reading and gives you immediate information and details to look for. You are encouraged to watch for details and the questioning helps you pay close attention and to concentrate better. The writing of questions is the first step of the note-taking process. Furthermore, it gives you practice in creating questions from the reading materials. These questions may reemerge as possible test questions.

READ
Read to the end of the first paragraph in order to answer the question. Reading is an active search for an answer. You now have a purpose for reading!

RECORD
Having read the first section, look away from the book and try to briefly recite the answer to your question. Use your own words and try to include an example. if you can do this you know what is in the book; if you can not, glance over the section again. Say the answer in your mind or out loud. Write down the answers or take notes in one of the several formats you have been taught in sixth-grade. (divided page, bullets, index cards, webs, interactive notes, etc.)

REPEAT the Question, Read, and Record steps until the entire lesson is completed.

RECITE/REVIEW
When the lesson has been completely read, read over your notes out loud. Check your memory by covering up the notes and trying to recall out loud or on paper the main points. This step overcomes forgetting and should be a planned part of each study period. A nightly oral review of your notes must be part of your daily study routine!!!!!!

Links to sites with additional helpful info about taking notes and studying.
James Madison University
Concordia University
English Companion
Interactive Reading Techniques
Graphic Organizers
Grammar & Writing Instruction Galore
Lots of cool educational links
Lots more cool educational links