For my students, I work hard to build motivation and interest in the topic we're reading about. Whether the book I'm using is fiction or nonfiction, there is typically a related theme. I love using cooperative groups and discussion to get my students talking about the topic as several heads are better than one since each child has different experiences.
Give One, Get One
As a before and after reading activity, one activity I like to use is Give One, Get One. You can list descriptors in each box, and students get with each other to exchange the information. It might be used to get answers to comprehension questions after reading too. The sample page I gave you is for use with The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant. This activity could also be used for Grandparents Day if you have that at your school. The strategy works like this. Each student is given the page, and when time has begun, students locate a friend to sign his/her form and provide the information in the block. Once they've exchanged ideas, the students move on to another friend. This continues until all of the information is gathered sort of like a scavenger hunt. When time is called, the whole group discusses what was learned.Inside/Outside Circles
Another fun brainstorming idea is called Inside/Outside Circles. This allows two related topics to be explored such as camping and fishing or soccer and football. The organizer has a smaller circle inside a larger circle with a topic placed in each. The goal is to fill the space with related words. Students can work in pairs or groups to brainstorm related vocabulary. No words are incorrect if the student explains how the word is related.
Word Splash
A Word Splash is similar to Inside/Outside Circles, but focuses on one topic. It is used before, during and after reading, and they're great for supporting related writing assignments after reading like a word bank for post reading responses. For example, you might choose the topic of frogs prior to reading Froggy Goes to School. Students can build schema about frogs. They might include words like sticky tongue, slimy, amphibian, pond, and lily pad. Again, you can then use them post reading for writing extension.
Guided Reading Resources
Comprehension Learning Mats

Skill Based Anchor Charts

Guided Reading Binder

What strategies do you enjoy? Share your ideas in the comments.

No comments
Post a Comment
Thanks for visiting my blog today. I love to hear from my readers, so if something from my post speaks to you, please let me know. Feel free to share what has worked well for you or anything else on your mind.