STARS

Target Instruction on the Essential Reading Comprehension Strategies

Help your students develop essential reading skills through systematic, engaging instruction that supports deeper learning.

Overview

Boost Comprehension with Structured, Targeted Lessons

Using the results of the CARS pretest, target instruction with these highly scaffolded, five-part lessons. STARS focuses on the 12 key reading strategies to improve students' reading ability:

  1. Finding main ideas
  2. Recalling facts and details 
  3. Understanding sequence 
  4. Recognizing cause and effect
  5. Comparing and contrasting 
  6. Making predictions
  7. Finding word meaning in context 
  8. Drawing conclusions and making inferences
  9. Distinguishing fact from opinion
  10. Identifying author's purpose
  11. Interpreting figurative language
  12. Summarizing 

The STARS series also supports English Learners with prior knowledge activation, explicit instruction, graphic organizers, and theme-based instruction.

  • Program Type:Instruction
  • Subject:Literacy
  • Grade(s):K–8
  • Language:English
  • Format:Print

Program Features

Builds Confidence Step by Step

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Gradual release of responsibility and practice with short pieces of text builds students' confidence.

Guides Every Teacher to Expertise

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Easy-to-use, informative Teacher Guide makes every teacher a reading expert.

Reinforces Learning Continuously

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Multiple definitions and examples of each strategy within each lesson continually reinforce understanding.

Structured Support for Success

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Explicit instruction and practice in a carefully structured format fully supports students.
Our Professional Learning suite offers collaborative live sessions and curated, on-demand digital resources to help educators drive meaningful student outcomes with their Curriculum Associates programs.
Invest in Your Impact

What's Included

Student Book

  • Five-part lesson structure:
    • Think About the Strategy
    • Learn About the Strategy
    • Check Your Understanding
    • Build on What You Have Learned
    • Prepare for a Test
  • Available in English (Grades K–8)
  • Available in Spanish (Grades 1–5)

Teacher Guide

  • Modeling to help teachers introduce the 12 strategies
  • Connection to Literature feature to apply strategies to authentic literature
  • Reteaching box to reinforce student learning