One benefit is that it can build anticipation. By pre - reading, you start to form expectations about the plot, characters, and themes. It makes the actual reading experience more engaging as you look forward to seeing if your predictions come true.
One pre - reading strategy for fiction is to look at the book cover. It can give you clues about the genre, the setting, and the mood of the story. Another strategy is to read the blurb on the back cover or inside flap. This usually gives a brief summary of the plot and introduces the main characters. Also, checking the author's name can be helpful. If you've read other books by the author, you might have an idea of their writing style and themes they often explore.
It helps with comprehension. By organizing your thoughts about the story elements before reading, you can better understand how they fit together as you read.
Another good pre - reading activity is to make a list of what you already know about the historical event or period related to the book. Say the book is about the American Civil War. Write down things like the main causes, important figures, and the outcome. Then, as you read, you can compare your existing knowledge with what the author presents.
One way is to use them to map out the characters. You can list the main characters in the graphic organizer and jot down a few key traits about each. For example, if it's a mystery novel, you might note that the detective is observant and tenacious. This helps you keep the characters straight as you start reading.
When pre - reading historical fiction, think about the language used. Historical fictions often use language that is appropriate for the time period. So, it might be a bit different from modern English. You can also look for reviews or recommendations. If other readers have mentioned that the book has a lot of historical details, you know you'll need to be prepared for that. And don't forget to consider the purpose of the author. Is it to educate about a certain period? Or is it mainly for entertainment? Understanding this can shape your expectations.
To effectively use pre - reading strategies for fiction, start by quickly scanning the table of contents. It can show you the structure of the story and how it's divided, which might give you an idea of the pacing. Then, read the first page or two carefully. This can introduce you to the narrator's voice and the initial setting. Also, don't overlook the dedication or acknowledgments. Sometimes, they can give you a bit of background or context related to the story.
Students can start by creating a timeline of the historical period of the book. For instance, if it's about World War II, mark the major events like the start of the war, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, D - Day, etc. This gives them a clear overview before reading.