Reading Lab Workshops

Winter 2024

Weekly TexTalk

TexTalk is a workshop series tailored for English Language Learners. During the workshops, students can learn reading skills like finding the main idea and supporting details. Together, we will then practice applying these skills to texts with topics related to learning a new language and a new culture. The students can also improve their speaking skills during discussions and by sharing their thoughts and reactions to the text with the group.

  • Date: Wednesdays: Jan. 10 – March 13
  • Time: 4:30 – 6 p.m.
  • Location: On-campus, Room D204
  • Instructor: Annika Carson

How to Pre-Read Your Reading

Do you know what it means to pre-read? Have you thought about why it is important to pre-read? In this workshop, you will learn strategies that can help you to prepare for your reading assignments.  By the end of this workshop, you will be ready to tackle your future reading assignments with ease.  Hope to see you there!

  • Date: Thursday, Jan. 11
  • Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.
  • Location: On-campus, Room D204
  • Instructor: Alexandra Ozanich

How to Read a Scholarly Article

Do you know what a peer reviewed scholarly article is?  Have you wondered, “What is the best way to read and remember the information presented in an article”?  Come to this workshop and learn strategies that will help you deepen your understanding of the text.  During this workshop, you will also have the chance to apply what you learned, so buckle up and get ready for some fun activities and tips.  Hope to see you there!

  • Date: Tuesday, Jan. 16
  • Time: 1:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.
  • Hybrid Location:
    On-campus, Room D204
    Online: Zoom
  • Instructor: Alexandra Ozanich
  • Date: Wednesday, Feb. 7
  • Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.
  • Location: On-campus, Room D204
  • Instructor: Annika Carson

How to Read Faster

Do you feel stressed by the amount of reading your teachers give you? Reading too slowly can affect how well you understand the reading. This workshop will teach you skills to measure your reading speed as well as tips on how to increase your reading speed.

  • Date: Wednesday, Jan. 17
  • Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.
  • Location: On-campus, Room D204
  • Instructor: Annika Carson
  • Date: Tuesday, Feb. 27
  • Time: 1:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.
  • Hybrid Location:
    On-campus, Room D204
    Online: Zoom
  • Instructor: Alexandra Ozanich

How to Find the Main Idea

Do you know what a main idea is? Instructors often ask you to find the main idea, but what is the best way to find it? Why is it so important? Come to this workshop to find the answers to these questions and practice some strategies with other students. Hope to see you there!

  • Date: Thursday, Jan. 18
  • Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.
  • Location: On-campus, Room D204
  • Instructor: Alexandra Ozanich
  • Date: Monday, Feb. 12
  • Time: 3:30 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.
  • Location: On-campus, Room D204
  • Instructor: Alexandra Ozanich

How to Write a Paragraph

Do you know what a paragraph is? What are the parts of a paragraph? Have you thought about what makes a good paragraph? Come to his workshop to learn some neat tips and strategies to help you craft a strong paragraph that will “wow” your English teachers! Hope to see you there!

  • Date: Monday, Jan. 22
  • Time: 9:30 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.
  • Location: On-campus, Room D204
  • Instructor: Alexandra Ozanich

How to Annotate Your Reading

Do you know what annotating is? Do you know what is the difference between note-taking and annotating? Learn how to annotate your reading and how it can help you understand what you read.

  • Date: Tuesday, Jan. 23
  • Time: 1:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.
  • Location: On-campus, Room D204
  • Instructor: Alexandra Ozanich
  • Date: Wednesday, Feb. 14
  • Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.
  • Location: On-campus, Room D204
  • Instructor: Annika Carson

How to Remember Vocabulary Words

Do you have to stop reading and use a dictionary or translator every time you see a word you don’t know?  Do you try to memorize vocabulary and forget them? Have you ever wondered how you can use context clues to help you understand a reading? Come to this workshop and learn how to study and expand your vocabulary knowledge. 

  • Date: Wednesday, Jan. 24
  • Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.
  • Location: On-campus, Room D204
  • Instructor: Annika Carson

How to Summarize Your Reading

Do you find yourself copying the whole text when you are supposed to be summarizing? Do you ever wonder “How can I say this in my own words”? Learn how to effectively summarize your reading, and how it can help you understand your reading assignments. Come to this workshop and learn effective summarizing strategies and skills.

  • Date: Tuesday, Feb. 6
  • Time: 1:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.
  • Location: On-campus, Room D204
  • Instructor: Alexandra Ozanich

How to Apply Critical Thinking to Your Reading

Do you know what “critical thinking” is? Although these two words seem so abstract, critical thinking is less complicated than you might think. Join this workshop to find out how you can engage with your reading assignments by incorporating critical reading into your reading. Hope to see you there!

  • Date: Wednesday, Feb. 21
  • Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.
  • Location: On-campus, Room D204
  • Instructor: Annika Carson
  • Date: Monday, Mar. 4
  • Time: 9:30 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.
  • Hybrid Location:
    On-campus, Room D204
    Online: Zoom
  • Instructor: Alexandra Ozanich

How to Identify Supporting Details

Do you know what supporting details are? Do you know the difference between major and minor supporting details? Can you find them in a text? Do you know how to use supporting details to find the main idea? Come to this workshop and learn how to recognize supporting details in your reading.

  • Date: Thursday, Feb. 22
  • Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.
  • Location: On-campus, Room D204
  • Instructor: Alexandra Ozanich

Last Updated January 9, 2024