Ask open-ended questions as the student reads such as, "Why did the character react that way?" or "What will happen next?" Pausing periodically and asking thought-provoking questions helps the student to organize her thoughts and construct meaning from the text.
Write vocabulary words on index cards or have the student write the words as he progresses through the text. Discuss the meaning of each word, how to pronounce the word and how it is used in context. Creating flash cards of key terms helps the student to remember them more effectively.
Have the student reread the text with a peer who can model self-monitoring of comprehension. The student takes turns reading and stops to summarize what was read at short intervals.
Create a graphic organizer as a guide in the comprehension of the text. Have the student use chart paper to label the diagram with the title of the topic. The student will create an outline and expand on the subject matter discussed in the text. Key facts or the sequence of events are organized in this manner.
Encourage the student to create his own book about the subject matter with text and illustrations from what he learned. A notebook is sufficient for this purpose. Making a connection between reading and writing further increases comprehension.