As future educators, and as students ourselves, we realize that making sense out of text is the most important challenge of reading. The FQR (fact, question, response) strategy is great for helping students analyze what they are reading, while they expand their thinking. FQR gives all students an opportunity to ask questions, determine important ideas, and share their feelings or understanding about the text. FQR gives students a purpose for reading, and allows them to organize information as they critically think about the text.
I am “thankful” for this strategy, because I, yes I, can benefit from it. If I am interested in the subject matter, I have no problem reading the material, and soaking up what I read. However, if the text is difficult or unfamiliar, I can read, read, read, and still say “huh?” FQR helps to guide my reading, and forces me to think about things more critically.
My second grade son has also been having trouble with comprehension, and we are finding that this strategy is also helpful for him. Now, we have only used it once, but the results seem positive so far. If nothing else, he just likes writing on the sticky notes. He doesn't realize he is critically analyzing the text, but he is asking a lot of questions, leading to a better comprehension. In conclusion, the FQR strategy is perfect for any student, any age.
The basic premise is that students take notes on colorful sticky notes, or in a three column format. As students read, they point out important facts. For each fact that they note, they also write a question and a response. Students have to learn to not only determine important information, but to ask questions that can guide their reading. Hopefully, they will make connections that help them comprehend the text better.
Printable FQR Chart: (for column note-taking)
http://projectlife.pbworks.com/f/factsquestionsresponse.pdf
