How do you get your students to actually READ the assigned reading?

One reading strategy that consistently works in my class is (what I call) “Color-Coding.” To use this approach, start by making a photocopy of the reading you want students to engage with. Then, provide a clear set of directions that tells students exactly what to do as they read using specific colors—for example, underline WHO the reading is about using a blue color, circle another word for "suffrage" with a red color, or highlight the 6 causes of the war using a green color! You can also ask students to write specific reactions, questions, or connections directly in the margin of the reading. By turning reading into an active, hands-on task, students are guided through the text with purpose. When they finish, their paper is filled with visible thinking, and their comprehension is noticeably stronger because they’ve interacted with the material every step of the way. Get a free sample color-coding activity using the link below!

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