So as context, I am a part of a small proto cadre organization, with around a dozen members. We study theory together, and are heavily involved in organizing in our local area. Some of my comrades really struggle with reading comprehension, to the point they really struggle to understand even essay length texts-- and not for lack of trying, these people genuinely do want to learn and study. They are just people who have been severely failed by the American education system. I am in a strange position; I am looked to for help as I read a lot and have more of a background in theory than most of them. But I don’t really know how to help. I was a terrible student and I barely graduated high school. Reading is just something I’ve done a lot of for as long as I can remember. Does anyone have any advice on how I can better support my comrades?
Yeah, I work retail.
Hi I work with educators and I have a book on teaching reading content strategies and I can get you some additional information. I would focus on giving them pre-emptive and contextual information about the reading. Then highlight, or with a glossary, provide list of vocabulary words from the reading with their definitions. I will also look up info, or you can do that, about Paolo Freire’s literacy programs for Brazilian and Cuban peasants. The principles are solid and would apply for your cadre.
These all seem like good tips, and I’ll definitely look into paolo freirs programs. I am curious about any books and additional information
English is 4 languages in a trench coat that hangs out in dark alleys where it shakes down other languages for loose change and grammar.
Something that helps is knowing where words come from. Greek and Latin roots are easy to spot in words like “photography,” where “photo” means light and “graph” means to draw or write. “Bourgeois” is French and has French pronunciation, which is very different than “buoyancy,” a Germanic word.
Recognizing when a word comes from Latin, Germanic, French, or some other language as a loanword (for example: patio, tsunami, and robot) can help learn definitions of words you don’t already know, along with pronunciation. Almost all compound words (cannot, backyard, grapefruit) come from Old English prior to the Battle of Hastings. Words with silent letters are usually French.
I don’t have useful contributions, I just want to say that I have nothing but love and solidarity for you in your efforts. We meet the people where they’re at, and learning to read is so revolutionary in its own right.
is it a problem with reading in general? like even recognizing words? or is it a comprehension of the material?
A few sometimes have trouble with reading unfamiliar words, most of the issue seems to be comprehension though.
I’ll get you the content strategy stuff, but i was reading it this morning and from what i recall from this morning: (1) Provocative quotes from anywhere in the reading and showing that to them prior to the reading. (2) Finding way to contextualize and relate things to the present moment. (3) Vocabulary words and dictionary use. (4) Having each person read a different chapter and bring that information into the discussion.
If you have the bandwidth, giving them pre-reading really helps. A few paragraphs of context (and maybe a vocabulary/terminology list) and background to start with, and then some questions. Write the questions so that they know what to pay attention to, and make them as specific as possible (e.g. “in section 3, when x says y about z, what does that mean?”) to call their attention to the important bits and help them scaffold their understanding. A lot of reading comprehension issues come from not knowing how to prioritize information: if you’re not used to dense texts, it’s really hard to know what’s important and what’s background/filler. Some signposting about what to think about and look for can be very helpful.
ETA: Here’s another suggestion. Give them annotated copies of the things you’re asking them to read (either your annotations or someone else’s). That is, give them copies of the readings in which important passages are highlighted, and in which margin comments call attention to or explain particularly interesting (or tricky) passages. You could even invite all of them to read a single shared copy of the text and contribute their own annotations/comments to it. Anything that increases engagement is good, and seeing what other people have to say about a text can often be really helpful.
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