Master Reading Comprehension with the QAR Strategy

Are your students struggling with reading comprehension? Try the QAR strategy (Question-Answer Relationships)! This technique helps students understand what type of question is being asked and where to find the answer in the text. Let’s dive into what the QAR strategy is, its benefits, and how to teach it effectively.

What is the QAR Strategy?

The QAR strategy is a reading comprehension method that categorizes questions into four types:

  1. Right There Questions: Answers are found directly in the text, often in a single sentence.
  2. Think and Search Questions: Answers are gathered from several parts of the text and combined.
  3. Author and You Questions: Answers require students to use information from the text and their own experiences or prior knowledge.
  4. On My Own Questions: Answers rely on students’ own experiences and knowledge, independent of the text.

This classification helps students recognize the relationship between questions and where to find their answers, enhancing their understanding and retention of the material.

Benefits of the QAR Strategy

Improved Comprehension: By understanding the types of questions, students can better navigate texts and extract meaningful information.

Enhanced Critical Thinking: The strategy encourages students to think deeply about the text and their responses.

Increased Engagement: Classifying questions and searching for answers makes reading more interactive and engaging.

Versatility: QAR can be applied to various subjects, making it a valuable tool across the curriculum.

How to Teach the QAR Strategy

Introduction and Explanation: Start by introducing the QAR strategy to your students. Explain the four types of questions and provide clear definitions and examples for each category.

Anchor Charts: Create anchor charts for each question type. Use these visual aids to reinforce concepts and serve as reference tools during reading activities.

Modeling: Demonstrate how to identify and answer each type of question using a sample text. Think aloud as you work through the questions, showing your thought process.

Guided Practice: Provide students with a text and a set of questions. Work through the questions together, guiding them to classify and answer each one correctly.

Independent Practice: Allow students to practice independently by providing another text and set of questions. Encourage them to use the anchor charts and strategies they’ve learned.

Discussion and Review: After practice, have a class discussion to review the questions and answers. Discuss any challenges students faced and clarify any misunderstandings.

Assessment and Feedback: Use quizzes, activities, or discussions to assess students’ understanding of the QAR strategy. Provide feedback to help them improve their skills.

Real Results in the Classroom

I’ve seen firsthand how effective the QAR strategy can be. My students are really learning a lot from this approach, and it’s significantly improving their comprehension skills. They are better at identifying question types and finding answers, which makes reading more enjoyable and less frustrating for them.

Get Your Free Johnny Appleseed QAR Resource

Ready to put the QAR strategy into action? I’ve created a special Johnny Appleseed QAR freebie just for you! This resource includes a text about Johnny Appleseed, along with a set of QAR questions to help your students practice identifying and answering different types of questions.

Click here to download your free Johnny Appleseed QAR resource and give your students an engaging way to master reading comprehension with the QAR strategy.

QAR-questioning-page
QAR-graphic-organizer

Want MORE QAR Resources?

Are you ready to enhance your students’ reading comprehension with the QAR strategy? Click HERE to check out my QAR resources on Teachers Pay Teachers! Each QAR Resource has anchor charts, vocabulary, reading passage, guided practice and independent practice. Some even have a BONUS writing activity!

I also have QAR resources that integrate other subjects! Need States of Matter, Pumpkin Life Cycle or Insects?

How about holidays? I got you covered! Buzz on over to TPT and check out all my QAR resources!

No comments

Post a Comment