Strategies That Work/Possible Unit Texts

For my ELD class, I have used various short stories for reading with my students.  These short stories were examples of memoirs, autobiographies and biographies.  There are many challenges that are posed to my students when using these readings.  Many of them have a difficult time with vocabulary, others cannot summarize a reading in their own words and most do not engage with the text.  With some students, it is hard to determine because although their English is limited, their primary language skills aren't, so it is possible they can comprehend the text if it were in their primary language.  I will notice some students decoding words that may sound or look like words they've heard before.  A strategy I think would prove most useful to my students is to self monitor and engage.  That means ask questions as they read, take notes and be active with the text.