1 / 7Know Better, Do Better: Comprehension — Reading Instruction Book
Instruction Book: Know Better, Do Better: Comprehension by David and Meredith Liben focuses on how knowledge, vocabulary, and language structures support students’ understanding of text. This teacher-oriented companion offers research-informed explanations and practical ideas, including ways to adapt read-alouds, close reading, and journaling.
At a glance
- Explains comprehension through knowledge building, vocabulary, and language structures.
- Presents a three-level comprehension model described as based on cognitive science.
- Offers ideas for adapting read-alouds, close reading, and journaling.
- The listing describes companion videos and downloadable teaching resources on a companion website.
Reference price: $35.99
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Connects reading comprehension concepts to instructional routines teachers may already use.
- The publisher describes ready-to-use teaching tools and ideas for putting the concepts into practice.
Technical specifications
10 specifications| Publisher | Scholastic Professional |
|---|---|
| Publication date | April 23, 2024 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 160 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1546113878 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1546113874 |
| Reading age | 6 - 12 years |
|---|---|
| Grade level | Kindergarten - 5 |
| Weight listed | 8 ounces |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 7.38 x 0.32 x 9 inches |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Elementary teachers and literacy coaches seeking guidance on comprehension instruction.
- Educators interested in the roles of vocabulary, background knowledge, and language in understanding texts.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a student-focused storybook or a book centered primarily on foundational decoding skills.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
89% 89% - 4 stars
7% 7% - 3 stars
2% 2% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
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Customer feedback highlights the book’s usefulness to elementary teachers and coaches, with praise for its research-based practices and informative content. The reported interest in concrete steps for comprehension instruction fits the book’s described focus on vocabulary, knowledge, language, and classroom routines. Aggregate ratings are favorable overall, though ratings alone cannot show how well the material fits a particular teaching context.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the content as informative and useful for elementary teachers and coaches.
- Feedback praises the research-based practices and practical ideas for comprehension instruction.
Frequently asked questions
What topics does this book cover?
It focuses on comprehension, particularly the contribution of vocabulary, knowledge building, and language structures to understanding text.
Who is the intended audience?
The listing identifies a reading age of 6–12 years and grades Kindergarten–5, while the description presents the book as a resource for teachers.
Does it include teaching resources?
The listing says companion videos and downloadable teaching resources are available through a companion website. It does not specify access terms.
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