Create a reading assessment binder. (See References 3.) Dedicate this to your reading classes, and track your students' performance. Note everything related to behavior, discipline and reading comprehension. Record all grades, assignments and other key information that is beneficial for assessing reading levels.
Choose a reading passage. Select a 250-word fourth-grade-level passage of text that you will give to your class. Choose a text that directly relates to the subject and topic that you are teaching. Go to the Super Teacher Worksheets website (see References 1) for reading passages and worksheet ideas. Photocopy a passage from a workbook or text if you do not want to use online material.
Print or create questions for the text. Use a prepared question worksheet if it is provided by the website or if you have one already. Generate at least 10 questions that ask who, what, where, when, why and how information that relates to the text. Use a combination of fill-in-the-blank, multiple-choice, word bank and true-and-false questions.
Assign the passage to read as homework. Introduce the assignment at the end of class after teaching a lesson that relates to the reading. Inform the students that the text will be read in class and that questions will be answered on the following day. Instruct the students to circle any unknown words or phrases, and stress that it must be brought back to class.
Begin the next class by asking pre-reading questions. This includes: "What is the reading about?" and "What did you learn?" Test the students' memory of the reading. Ask easier questions than are on the quiz sheet. Check that every student has the reading, and hand out replacements for lost copies. Deduct points from students if necessary.
Read the text aloud as a class. Begin by reading the first sentence, then randomly assign the next student to continue. Make sure that everyone in class reads at least one sentence aloud. Read the text a second time if it is short and you have extra time. Tell students to speak up so that it is audible for everyone.
Explain new vocabulary words and phrases. Clear up any confusion relating to the story and sequence of events. Ask the students to state which words were underlined for homework. Write all new words and phrases on the board, and have the class repeat these words.
Distribute the question sheet. Instruct the students to read the text silently and answer the questions alone. Tell the students to place their pens or pencils on the desk when finished. Make sure that the students spend no more than 15 minutes on this assignment. Give a warning when the time is almost up, and collect all papers when everyone is done.
Review the answers. Discuss the sequence of events, main characters, theme and literary devices. (See References 2.) Ask the students each question, and call only on those who are raising their hands. Repeat the question and ask the class again if a student answers incorrectly. Intentionally say false statements such as "The Declaration of Independence was signed on 1777" to test attention and knowledge.
Assign post-reading homework. Instruct students to write five newly learned facts or concepts that they didn't know before reading. Collect them, and ask students to tell one thing that they learned at the start of the lesson on the next day.
Compile your data. Review and analyze the progress recorded in your binder and the grades of the assignments. Create a scoring rubric that is based on class participation, performance and overall ability in reading. Continue to discuss and assign reading assignments that are aimed at improving low scores and challenging strong students.