When previewing a learning strategy, demonstrate how to use it, provide guided practice, and provide independent practice time with known material before expecting students to use the strategy independently. When demonstrating the use of a learning strategy, it is easier to demonstrate with a picture, an object, or a simple text, such as a picture book or mentor text, before applying it to content area text that is more difficult for students to understand. Be sure to talk through the thought process (think aloud) when demonstrating so that students can clearly see how to use it, as well as common mistakes and struggle areas for the strategy.
