Linda Dorn and Carla Soffos describe the process of comprehension as a
reflection of the mind—a window into the reader's thoughts. In Teaching for Deep
Comprehension they discuss comprehension from a socio-cognitive perspective —
specifically, how teachers can use the social context of reading workshop to
promote deep comprehension. The book is framed around three guiding questions:
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Can comprehension be taught?
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How does a model become a barrier to comprehension?
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When does a tool become the reason for reading?
Linda and Carla mesh complex theories of comprehension with everyday practical
examples in such a way as to help teachers develop a better understanding of
what it means to comprehend while reading. The book's appendix contains a wealth
of reproducible materials, including text maps, graphic organizers, book lists,
and resource charts. Supporting the text is a DVD containing eighty-five minutes
of video from a first-grade reading workshop (shared reading, author studies,
share time), an adult book discussion, a fourth-grade reading workshop
(mini-lesson and literature discussion groups), and other settings.