SMART

​S – Scan the story first


Goal: Get a quick idea of what it’s about.
How: Look at the title, pictures, and first few lines. Ask: “What do I think this story might be about?”

​M – Mark important words

Goal: Pay attention while reading.

How: Use a pencil or finger to underline or circle: Names
Places
Words you don’t understand

Ask: “What words are new to me?”

​A – Ask questions while reading


Goal: Stay curious and focused.

How: Think or say aloud:

“Who is this about?” “What’s happening now?” “Why did that happen?” “What do I think will happen next?”

​R – Retell the main ideas

Goal: Check understanding.

How: After each paragraph or page, pause and tell what happened in their own words.

Ask: “What was the most important thing that happened here?”

​T – Think and connect

Goal: Deepen understanding.

How: Connect it to their own life: “This reminds me of…”
Compare: “This is like another story I read…”

Reflect: “What lesson can I learn from this?”

​Story: “The Lost Puppy”


Emma found a small puppy outside her school. It was shivering in the rain. She decided to take it home, feed it, and try to find its owner. The next day, she put up posters around the neighborhood. Soon, a boy named Tom came to her house — it was his puppy! Emma felt happy that the puppy was safe again.*

​S – Scan the story first
What to do: Before reading, look at the title and pictures (if any).
Example: Title: “The Lost Puppy” Guess: “Maybe the story is about a girl who finds a dogS

​M – Mark important words
What to do: Underline or circle key words and new words.
Example: Important words: Emma, puppy, rain, home, owner, posters.
New word: shivering → means “trembling because of cold.”

​A – Ask questions while reading

What to do: Pause and ask simple questions to stay engaged.

Example: “Who found the puppy?” → Emma. “Why did she take it home?” → It was cold and alone. “What did she do to help?” → Fed it and made posters. “How did the story end?” → She found the owner, and the puppy was safe.

​R – Retell the main ideas

What to do: After finishing, tell the story in your own words.

Example: “Emma found a puppy in the rain. She took care of it and made posters to find its owner. A boy named Tom came, and it was his puppy. Emma was happy she helped.”

​T – Think and connect
What to do: Reflect and connect the story to real life.
Example: “This reminds me of when I helped my neighbor’s cat.” “The story teaches us to be kind to animals.”