Reading Strategy: Plan Your Reading

Preview a selection to find out what it is about. Use what you learn in the preview to help you set a purpose for reading the selection.

Reading Strategy Plan Your Reading
    How to Preview and Set a Purpose

  • 1. To preview, look at headings, pictures, and captions. What do you think the selection is about? Read the first paragraph. Do you think the selection is fiction or nonfiction?

  • 2. To set a purpose, ask yourself: Why do I want to read this? Your answer is your purpose for reading.

Strategy in Action

Here’s how one student previewed and set a purpose.

Look Into the Text

The All-in-One Washer/Dryer

What is this about? Is it fiction or nonfiction?

“I wanted to design an automatic rabbit feeder for my school invention project,” Reeba Daniel said. “But my teacher told me that automatic pet feeders had already been invented.”

“This seems to be about a real person. It’s probably nonfiction.”

Then Reeba’s mom gave her a suggestion. “Invent something everyone could use—something that saves time.”

Why do I want to read this?

“I want to find out about Reeba’s invention.”

Practice Together

Preview “Kids Are Inventors, Too,” and set a purpose for reading each part. Follow the steps in the How-To box. Write each purpose on a sticky note. Place your sticky notes next to that part of the selection.