Scenario Response 2

One approach I’d use with this student is teaching metacognition. Since he can read and decode well but struggles to understand basic ideas, it sounds like he might not be fully engaging with the text. By modeling my thinking aloud as I read and encouraging him to do the same, I can help him make those connections between the words and meaning. I’ll also prompt him to reflect on his thinking, asking questions like, “What do you think this word means here?” or “How does this sentence fit with what we read earlier?” This way, he’ll start using his prior knowledge and actively think through what he’s reading.

I’d also implement more vocabulary instruction, especially with Tier 2 words. These are the kinds of words that show up in texts but aren’t necessarily in everyday conversation. I’ll focus on providing multiple exposures to the words in different contexts—reading, writing, speaking, and listening. We could work on defining words, using them in sentences, and having discussions around them, so he has a deeper understanding that will help him with comprehension.

Both of these approaches would help him actively engage with the text and build up his vocabulary, making it easier for him to fully grasp what he’s reading.