English Language Arts and Reading.8.5.A

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The student is expected to

establish purpose for reading assigned and self-selected texts;

comprehension TEKS talk image

Knowledge and Skills Statement

Comprehension skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking using multiple texts. The student uses metacognitive skills to both develop and deepen comprehension of increasingly complex texts.

Have students work in small groups to discuss the purposes for reading self-selected texts. Then, have students create a visual representation of their ideas. Consider providing a checklist of expectations students should address.

Possible questions for students to consider in their groups:

  • What are the benefits of being able to self-select text? How does this affect your learning?
  • How does self-selecting texts impact your effectiveness as a reader? How does this affect your learning?
  • Does your purpose differ when reading self-selected texts vs. assigned texts? 

Further Explanation

This SE requires students to establish a purpose for reading and set goals or intentions for reading. They answer the question Why am I reading this text? In assigned texts, the purpose is usually established by the teacher or another adult (e.g., summarize a story, produce a book report, or write an argumentative essay in response to a text). However, in self-selected texts, students themselves define the specific reason(s) to read a given text. 

When students establish purpose for reading, they set their goals or intentions for reading. They answer the question “Why am I reading this text?” For example, the purpose for reading a text might be to learn a new origami project, learn about a favorite character, or seek new information about a musical band. In assigned texts, the purpose is usually established by the teacher or any other adult: summarize a story, make a book report, or write an argumentative essay in response to a text. However, in self-selected texts students must define by themselves the specific reason(s) to read a given text.