Skills and Strategies for

Reading
6TH GRADE
Vocabulary in Context
When you read an unfamiliar word, don’t stop.Coninue to the end of the
sentence that contains the word, and read the next sentence.
If you don’t understand the general meaning and feel you are getting lost,
return to the unfamiliar word.
Search for signal words and phrases that introduce context clues. There may be
signals of definition, exemplification, or contrast. Use the clues to guess the
meaning.
Finding Main Ideas
oAs you read, keep asking yourself: What is the topic? Wha claims does the
writer make about the topic?
oPay special attention to the first sentence, which often contains both the topic
and the claim.
oAlso pay attention to the last sentence of the paragraph. Writers often restate
the main idea, especially in longer paragraphs.
Finding Supporting Details
First identify the main idea.
Look for examples, facts, numbers and reasons that support the main idea. Note
transition words that introduce these supporting details.
Number supporting details as you read. Check that these detais support the
main idea by looking back and rereading the main idea that you hightlighted.
Taking Notes from a Reading
•As you read, circle mand ideas and number supporting details.
•Highlight important words an write definitions in the margin.
•Use your annotated text to help you make your outline.
•Begin your outline with the topc or main idea of the paragraph.
•Add the most important supporting details.
•Use a system of numbers and letters to show the difference between very
important and less important details.
•Keep your outline simple. Don’t write too much detail.
Preparing for a Reading test
Think of questions that focus on main ideas and supporting details. Use
questions words, such as what, where, when, why, how, and who to write your
questions.
Also, write questions that focus on definitons of key vocabulary and key terms.
Write your questions on one side of a note card. Write your answer on the other
side of the card.
Test yourself. Mix yp the cards in a different order each time you study them.