I Read It, but I Don't Get It Book Summary - I Read It, but I Don't Get It Book explained in key points

I Read It, but I Don't Get It summary

Cris Tovani

Brief summary

I Read It, but I Don't Get It by Cris Tovani is a guide for teachers and parents on how to help struggling readers improve their comprehension skills. Tovani offers practical strategies and insights to address this common issue.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    I Read It, but I Don't Get It
    Summary of key ideas

    Understanding the Challenge of Reading Comprehension

    In I Read It, but I Don't Get It by Cris Tovani, the author begins by highlighting the common problem of students who can read the words but fail to understand the content. Tovani shares her experiences as a teacher, where she noticed that many students struggled with reading comprehension. She explains that this issue is not limited to struggling readers but also affects proficient ones. Tovani attributes this problem to the lack of effective reading strategies and proposes to address it through explicit instruction.

    She introduces the concept of 'fake reading' where students appear to be reading but are not engaging with the text. Tovani explains that fake reading is a coping mechanism for students who lack the necessary comprehension skills. She emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing this issue to improve students' reading abilities.

    Teaching Strategies for Improved Comprehension

    Tovani then delves into various teaching strategies to improve reading comprehension. She advocates for the use of 'think-alouds' where teachers verbalize their thought process while reading. This technique helps students understand how to approach a text, make predictions, and monitor their understanding. Tovani also suggests using graphic organizers, such as double-entry journals, to help students organize their thoughts and make connections with the text.

    Another key strategy Tovani discusses is the use of coding, a system of marking texts to identify important information, questions, and connections. She explains that coding helps students actively engage with the text and improves their comprehension. Additionally, Tovani emphasizes the importance of providing students with choice in their reading materials, as it increases their motivation and engagement.

    Adapting Strategies for Different Texts and Subjects

    As the book progresses, Tovani addresses the challenge of teaching comprehension strategies across different types of texts and subjects. She acknowledges that fiction and nonfiction texts require different approaches and provides specific strategies for each. Tovani also discusses the unique challenges of content-area reading, such as textbooks, and offers strategies to help students navigate these complex materials.

    Furthermore, Tovani emphasizes the role of background knowledge in comprehension and suggests various ways to activate and build students' prior knowledge. She also highlights the importance of vocabulary instruction and recommends incorporating word study activities into reading lessons to enhance comprehension.

    Practical Application and Classroom Management

    In the latter part of the book, Tovani focuses on the practical application of the discussed strategies in the classroom. She provides detailed examples of how to introduce and teach these strategies, as well as how to assess students' comprehension skills. Tovani also addresses common challenges, such as time constraints and student resistance, and offers practical solutions.

    Moreover, Tovani emphasizes the need for ongoing reflection and adjustment of teaching practices. She encourages teachers to continuously monitor students' progress and adapt their instruction based on individual needs. Tovani also stresses the importance of creating a supportive classroom environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and asking for help.

    Conclusion: Empowering Students as Active Readers

    In conclusion, I Read It, but I Don't Get It by Cris Tovani provides a comprehensive guide for improving reading comprehension in students. Tovani's approach focuses on empowering students as active readers by teaching them specific strategies to understand and engage with texts. By addressing the common problem of fake reading and providing practical teaching strategies, Tovani aims to help students become proficient and confident readers across various subjects and text types.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is I Read It, but I Don't Get It about?

    I Read It, but I Don't Get It by Cris Tovani is a helpful guide for educators and parents who want to support struggling readers. The book offers practical strategies to improve reading comprehension and provides insights into the challenges that students face when trying to make sense of what they read. Tovani's real-life examples and actionable tips make this book a valuable resource for anyone involved in teaching or mentoring young readers.

    I Read It, but I Don't Get It Review

    I Read It, but I Don't Get It (2001) by Cris Tovani is a valuable resource for anyone struggling to understand what they read and looking to improve their reading comprehension. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • It offers practical strategies to help readers navigate and comprehend complex texts, empowering them to become more proficient readers.
    • The book provides real-life examples and relatable anecdotes to help readers connect with the content and apply the strategies in their own reading.
    • Through its straightforward and accessible approach, the book demystifies the reading process, making it an engaging and eye-opening read.

    Who should read I Read It, but I Don't Get It?

    • Teachers who want to improve their students' reading comprehension
    • Educators looking for practical strategies to help struggling readers
    • Parents who want to support their children's literacy skills at home

    About the Author

    Cris Tovani is an educator and author known for her work in the field of literacy. With over 30 years of teaching experience, Tovani has dedicated her career to helping students improve their reading and comprehension skills. She has written several books, including 'I Read It, but I Don't Get It,' which provides practical strategies for teachers to support struggling readers. Tovani's work has had a significant impact on the way educators approach literacy instruction in the classroom.

    Categories with I Read It, but I Don't Get It

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    32 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    I Read It, but I Don't Get It FAQs 

    What is the main message of I Read It, but I Don't Get It?

    The main message of I Read It, but I Don't Get It is how to improve reading comprehension and strategies for understanding difficult texts.

    How long does it take to read I Read It, but I Don't Get It?

    The reading time varies, but typically several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.

    Is I Read It, but I Don't Get It a good book? Is it worth reading?

    I Read It, but I Don't Get It is a valuable read for anyone who wants to enhance their reading skills. It provides practical tips and strategies to improve comprehension.

    Who is the author of I Read It, but I Don't Get It?

    The author of I Read It, but I Don't Get It is Cris Tovani.

    What to read after I Read It, but I Don't Get It?

    If you're wondering what to read next after I Read It, but I Don't Get It, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
    • Mastery by Robert Greene
    • Bounce by Matthew Syed
    • The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle
    • How Children Succeed by Paul Tough
    • Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin
    • Don’t Go Back to School by Kio Stark
    • How to Become a Straight-A Student by Cal Newport
    • I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
    • The Education of a Value Investor by Guy Spier