Activity Description

Preparation:

1. Prepare the CAFÉ Menu board
   1. Divide a board into 4 columns
   2. Write the headings, Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency and Expand Vocabulary at the top of each column
   3. The CAFÉ Menu: < http://www.thedailycafe.com/public/1330.cfm>
2. Prepare the Conferring notebook
   1. Draw a circle on a piece of chart paper
   2.  Obtain a binder
   3. You may wish to include a calendar and guided group plans
   4. Conferring notebook tips: <http://www.thedailycafe.com/public/department73.cfm>
3. Prepare a reading strategy lesson
   1. For example: Use prior knowledge to connect with the text <http://www.thedailycafe.com/public/649.cfm>

Implementation:

     Session 1:

1. Over a period of several days, introduce and explain each heading on the CAFÉ reading board
2. Once the headings have been introduced and defined, introduce and model how to use reading strategies from each heading
   1. You may wish to use a picture book to help you model the strategy
      • As you read stop at various points and think aloud about the text
3. On a piece of construction paper write the title of the reading strategy
4. Discuss the appropriate column to place the reading strategy
   1. For example: Comprehension

     Session 2:

1. Hold student-teacher conferences with individual students to set goals to practice the four aspects of successful reading
2. Invite a student to join you for a reading conference
   1. Have the student select a new area of focus (one of the headings) or share his/her current focus
   2. Have the student identify a reading strategy goal, write it on a post-it note, and display it under the selected reading strategy
   3. Have the student share the book that he/she is currently reading
      • You may wish to have the student read aloud a short passage
   4. Ask questions related to the selected goal
      • For example: Ask the student to retell the beginning of the story
   5. Discuss strengths and next steps
3. Record the date and applicable information in your Conferring notebook
4. Meet with 3-4 students daily

Adaptations For

English Language Learners/ESL:

- Provide visual cues to match each reading strategy
- Have the students use the text as a guide while retelling the main events of the story

LD/Reading & Writing Difficulties:

- Meet with the student on a weekly basis to help build fluency and comprehension as well as review goals and next steps
- Provide a variety of texts on a computer for listening
- Confer with the student at the listening center so that he/she can refer to the audio text

Cultural Appropriateness & Diversity:

- Allow students to make personal connections to the text
- Provide a variety of texts from various cultures and communities

Differentiated Instruction:

- Allow students to choose their reading goals
- Provide students with a weekly conference schedule

Related References

Evidence:
Sporer, N., Brunstein, J. & Kieschke, U. (2009). Improving students' reading comprehension skills: Effects of strategy instruction. Learning and Instruction, 19, 272-286.