When teaching literacy, the challenge is knowing how to move students beyond phonetic interpretation of words and rote memory recall to higher-level thinking. Good readers must possess the skills to process information while also analyzing inferred meaning and connecting new ideas to previously learned facts and life experiences.

In this quick reference guide based on the book, The FIVES Strategy for Reading Comprehension, teachers are introduced to a literacy strategy designed to strengthen students’ understanding of facts, inferences, vocabulary, experiences, and summary. It includes eight steps on how to teach the FIVES, samples of worksheets, the rubric for assessing responses, and guidelines on successfully using FIVES for writing constructed responses and integrated response essays.

New and experienced teachers will find this 10-page guide indispensable in fostering a deep love and appreciation of reading in their students.