Questioning

Adept readers pose questions prior to reading a selection or as they are reading. They then attempt to answer their question or questions while reading. Employing this strategy virtually guarantees that reading will be an active process. It also serves to focus the reader's attention. A reader who has asked a question will be more inclined to stay alert to see whether their question is answered in the text.

As with the teaching of all strategies, instruction begins with modeling. In Digging Reading, the teacher demonstrates how to question a text before and during reading. Then students are given opportunities to share their thinking with a partner, and are encouraged throughout the week to share questions without concern for criticism.