Bridges to Literature and Content

Comprehension, 6th-8th Grades

Bridges to Literature and Content is a literacy intervention program designed to help students in 6th through 8th grades strengthen their reading skills, especially those who may be struggling with understanding more complex texts. The program aims to improve students' reading comprehension and prepare them for success in reading both literature and informational content, such as articles and textbooks they will encounter in school.

Here are the core components of Bridges to Literature and Content:

1. Balanced Focus on Literature and Content: The program covers both literature (like stories, novels, and poems) and informational texts (such as science, history, and current events). This balance helps students improve their understanding of different types of reading materials they’ll face in school.

2. Reading Comprehension Strategies: The program teaches students specific strategies to understand what they read. These strategies include identifying the main idea, summarizing, making inferences, and understanding the author's purpose. These skills help students break down complex texts and better grasp their meaning.

3. Close Reading and Critical Thinking: Close reading is a key part of the program, encouraging students to read texts carefully, analyze key details, and think critically about the content. This deeper level of reading helps students engage more fully with what they are reading and develop their analytical skills.

4. Vocabulary Development: The program includes lessons that focus on expanding students’ vocabulary. By introducing and practicing new words in the context of reading, students build their understanding of words and phrases that are critical for academic success, particularly with more challenging texts.

5. Scaffolded Instruction: Bridges to Literature and Content uses scaffolding, meaning that teachers provide step-by-step guidance and gradually release responsibility as students grow more confident in their reading abilities. This approach supports students who need extra help while allowing them to develop independence in their reading skills over time.

6. Engaging Texts and Topics: The program offers a variety of engaging texts, including fiction and nonfiction, with topics that are interesting and relevant to middle school students. By providing content that appeals to them, students are more likely to stay motivated and interested in their reading practice.

7. Writing Connections: The program integrates writing activities with reading lessons. Students are asked to respond to what they’ve read, either through written summaries, essays, or journal responses. This connection between reading and writing helps deepen their comprehension and improve their overall literacy skills.

8. Support for Diverse Learners: Bridges to Literature and Content provides support for students at different reading levels, including English Language Learners (ELLs) and students who may need additional instruction to close reading gaps. The program adjusts to meet the needs of each learner.

In summary, Bridges to Literature and Content is a literacy intervention program for 6th to 8th graders that helps students improve their comprehension of both literary and informational texts. Through targeted reading strategies, vocabulary building, close reading, and writing activities, the program provides the support and skills students need to become stronger, more confident readers across different types of content.