Use maps as a tool to practice geography and reading directions. Start from one place on the map, and ask a student to write directions to another place on the map where she chooses. Ask another student to read the directions and then give directions to a third student in the class without looking at the written directions in her own words. Change the format for more practice, sometimes using streets and other times using reference points.
Take a short informational paragraph, either from a text already used in class or from an outside source, and copy it onto the board. Once students have read the paragraph and understand the text, erase one word per sentence or all articles, for example, then have the children fill in the blanks. Once they fill in the blanks, start a new round erasing more words. Continue this process until they must rewrite the entire paragraph.
Compile 10 to 12 different reading passages that are each accompanied by comic images. Ask the students to read the passages, and match them with the image that best depicts the reading. Students develop comprehension skills by affiliating the picture with the theme or events in the passages.
Select a short passage from a play or with a large dialogue component and have the students read it in groups so that each student has a speaking role. Tell the students that they will be performing the dialogue in front of the class and are not expected to perform it word for word because they will not be able to look at the text while performing. Without being able to memorize the text, students will have to rely on their reading comprehension to reenact the text.