Now We Get It!: Boosting Comprehension with Collaborative Strategic Reading

Now We Get It!

This practical book offers teachers and staff developers in grades 4–12 a step-by-step guide to the acclaimed Collaborative Strategic Reading (CSR) program. CSR is an evidence- based approach to boosting comprehension in mixed-ability classrooms. Weaving together two instructional programs—cooperative learning and reading comprehension strategy instruction—CSR gives students the confidence they need to increase understanding and boost reading fluency.

Working collaboratively in small groups, students apply the four main CSR steps

• PREVIEW: Students brainstorm and predict what they will learn in a text
• CLICK AND CLUNK: Students note terms they find difficult (called “clunks”) and work through them until they’re understood (turning them from “clunks” to “clicks”)
• GET THE GIST: Students explain in their own words the main idea of a sentence or paragraph
• WRAP UP: Students review the text and construct questions about it, helping them boost study skills and prepare for exams

The book provides everything teachers and staff developers need to implement CSR seamlessly and successfully, including: classroom-ready materials, handouts, descriptions, sample dialogues, ready-to-use activities, useful resources, and suggestions for training educators on the CSR program. Questions and practices aligning with the Common Core Standards are also provided. Bonus web content includes a PowerPoint presentation on CSR and short video clips.

“CSR has truly made a difference with our students. It is a systematic process that can be replicated and easily integrated into our curriculum. The result has been an increase in student comprehension, translating into increases in scores across all content areas.”
—CHRIS ULCAK, principal, R.C. Barton Middle School, Buda, Texas

Now We Get It!

This practical book offers teachers and staff developers in grades 4 12 a step-by-step guide to the acclaimed Collaborative Strategic Reading (CSR) program. CSR is an evidence- based approach to boosting comprehension in mixed-ability classrooms. Weaving together two instructional programs cooperative learning and reading comprehension strategy instruction CSR gives students the confidence they need to increase understanding and boost reading fluency.

Working collaboratively in small groups, students apply the four main CSR steps

• PREVIEW: Students brainstorm and predict what they will learn in a text
• CLICK AND CLUNK: Students note terms they find difficult (called “clunks”) and work through them until they’re understood (turning them from “clunks” to “clicks”)
• GET THE GIST: Students explain in their own words the main idea of a sentence or paragraph
• WRAP UP: Students review the text and construct questions about it, helping them boost study skills and prepare for exams

The book provides everything teachers and staff developers need to implement CSR seamlessly and successfully, including: classroom-ready materials, handouts, descriptions, sample dialogues, ready-to-use activities, useful resources, and suggestions for training educators on the CSR program. Questions and practices aligning with the Common Core Standards are also provided. Bonus web content includes a PowerPoint presentation on CSR and short video clips.

“CSR has truly made a difference with our students. It is a systematic process that can be replicated and easily integrated into our curriculum. The result has been an increase in student comprehension, translating into increases in scores across all content areas.”
CHRIS ULCAK, principal, R.C. Barton Middle School, Buda, Texas