What: Read, Encode, Annotate, Ponder (REAP) is a strategy for helping readers read and understand a text.

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Who: This strategy is best when used in grades 3-8.

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When: REAP is used during and after reading.

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Why: As students go back to the text for each stage of REAP, they will consider the text from a different vantage. Each stage asks the students to analyze the text at a higher level to increase and deepen comprehension.

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How: After modeling the REAP strategy for the class and providing guided practice with the strategy, have the students complete the following steps:

1. Read on your own.

2. Encode the text by putting the majority of what you read in your own words.

3. Annotate the text by writing down the main ideas (notes, significant words, quotes) and the author’s message.

4. Ponder what you read by thinking and talking with other in order to make personal connections, develop questions about the topic, and/or connect this reading to other reading you have done.

 

Have students create a REAP worksheet by folding a sheet of paper into 4 squares. At the top of each square, students will write a single letter from the word REAP. In the box labeled R, students should write down the title of the text and any notes/thoughts during reading. In the box labeled E, students should put in their own words what they’ve just read. In the box labeled A, students should write notes of the main idea, significant words, quotes, the author’s message, etc. in the box labeled P, students should take notes of their conversations with peers about any possible connections and questions about the topic.