Reading Comprehension

Intended as a supplement to the classroom language arts instruction, our ELA targets higher order reading
comprehension skills in the form of four skill ladders connected to individual readings in short stories,
myths/fables, and essays. Students move from lower order, concrete thinking skills to higher order, critical
thinking skills. For example, Ladder A moves students from Sequencing to Cause and Effect to Consequences
and Implications.
The skill ladders correspond with the higher level, critical thinking skills and are based on Paul's (1992)
Reasoning Model

Our ELA flex reading group is a

learning journey for students which
begins with targeted readings from
fables, myths and nonfiction sources
and moves through an inquiry process
from basic understanding to critical
analyses of the texts read. Our lessons
are designed to enhance reading
comprehension. Tasks have been
organized by skill ladders with
questions and activities within each.
Ladder rungs are organized to increase
complexity in intellectual demand.

Ladder A

Ladder B

Ladder C

Ladder D

Sequencing
Cause and Effect
Consequences & Implications

Details
Classification
Generalization

Elements
Inference
Theme/Concept

Paraphrasing
Summarizing
Creative Synthesis