Presents a practical strategy for teaching reading comprehension that is based on current research and consists of five steps: (1) introduction, (2) example, (3) direct instruction, (4) teacher-directed and (5) independent practice. Provides sample lessons for each step. (FL)

Describes a study that explored third- and sixth-grade students' ability to comprehend main ideas after reading natural expository passages taken from their social studies textbooks. Concludes that the children had much difficulty comprehending the passages' main ideas. Offers suggestions for content area teachers to improve reading comprehension.…