Developing Readers

Modeling - Independence

Developing Readers is a teacher resource designed developmentally for grades 3-5 and used remedially in grades 6-8. DR targets the 25 key comprehension strategies that are commonly found in the reading language arts curriculum and assessments. DR is a flexible tool for the teacher to use as needed to improve student comprehension. The program is organized into 25 tabbed sections, each focusing on a specific comprehension strategy. The strategy is introduced and defined, modeled, practiced with teacher assistance, reinforced and developed through independent work, and finally extended and applied through additional activities. The materials can be used daily, weekly, or in a targeted manner to do in-depth work with a specific strategy. The lesson plans are provided to guide instruction from teacher modeling to student application in 10-30 minute modules over a 3– 5 day period.



Developing Readers features:

  • Flexible and easy to use step-by-step lesson plans
  • Direct teaching methods that accelerate student acquisition of strategies
  • Peer and collaborative learning generates interest and enthusiasm for all students, and is particularly effective with struggling readers
  • Read alouds using classroom materials to model strategies
  • Graphic organizers for each strategy
  • Cost effective – no additional materials required
  • Practice in all genres including fiction and nonfiction texts
  • Additional Leveled Text CD includes 20 additional passages written at reading levels 3-5. Selections feature paired fiction and nonfiction passages
  • List of titles for each strategy is included
  • Strategy prompts for state and standardized tests
  • Use Graphic Organizers


25 Comprehension Strategies

Developing Readers utilizes a research based and classroom proven instructional model. Fielding and Pearson’s Gradual Release of Responsibility Model has proven to be an effective instructional approach to student mastery of the following comprehension strategies taught in DR:

  • Vocabulary - (Context Clues, Best Definition, Dictionary Entry / Affixes, Synonyms / Antonyms, Figurative Language)
  • Main Idea / Supporting Details
  • Text to Support Meaning
  • Written Summary
  • Character Traits / Emotions / Motives
  • Setting
  • Plot / Story Problem / Resolution
  • Order of Important Events / Chronology
  • Cause and Effect (Literal / Inferred)
  • Inferences (Drawing Conclusions / Predictions / Generalizations)
  • Fact and Opinion
  • Comparing Story Variants
  • Similarities and Differences Across Texts
  • Support of Interpretation
  • Connect, Compare, Contrast Across Text(s)
  • Author’s Purpose
  • Author’s Point of View
  • Genre Format
  • Patterns of Organization
  • Internal Consistency or Logic



Developing Readers with Additional Leveled Texts CD
Product Code - Please use when ordering:

DRALT Developing Readers Guide with
1 Additional Leveled Text CD - $75.00


Developing Readers Includes Additional Leveled Text CD:

CD Includes:

  • (5) Leveled Passages Per Grade Level for Grades 3-5
  • TAKS Format
  • Fiction / Nonfiction Passages for Each Grade Level
  • Paired Passages for Comparing Texts
  • Variety of Genres
  • Suggested Comprehension Strategies for Each Passage



Additional Leveled Texts CD
Product Code - Please use when ordering:

ALT .......... Additional Leveled Text CD - $20.00


For more information, call toll free 1-866-867-7552.

Developing Readers Workshops

The Developing Readers Workshop helps teachers implement good teaching practices necessary in the classroom by providing strategies, materials, research and easy to use techniques. For more information, click on the workshop link above.

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