Visualizing improves reading comprehension and helps students gain a deeper understanding of the material they are reading. Today, I thought I’d share tips using Someday a Tree. Visualizing means the student is using the words to create mental images. Students need explicit instruction and practice with this skill until the act of visualizing text becomes automatic. Below, I’ll explain my lesson using this book.

Modeling with Someday a Tree

Since it’s Earth Day tomorrow, I chose to use the book, Someday a Tree by Eve Bunting as the mentor text. Eve Bunting uses descriptive language throughout Someday a Tree, and the themes are important for our students to hear and discuss.

Here’s what the Amazon summary says about Someday a Tree…

Alice is dismayed when one day the leaves on the old oak tree start to fall. Although 

she can’t save the tree, Alice remembers something that gives her hope: the 

acorns she collected when the tree was still healthy.

The illustrations are beautiful, but the description in the words are even better.  Here’s a glimpse of the inside.  The words are included below.  Noticed the underlined details that aren’t pictured.

“Mom!” I sit up.  “Mom?”
Her eyes open.
“How come the grass smells like this?” I ask. “Why is it this weird, yellow color?”
Mom yawns. “I expect it’s because it has been so hot.“
We bring Dad to look.” There’s supposed to be rain tonight.” he says. “That’s probably all the grass needs.”

lesson ideas using someday a tree as a mentor text

As students read, it’s important for them to pay attention to details that provide description, especially in chapter books which have few pictures. Read alouds can be used to model and practice this.  Here is an example showing how teachers can model with selected details and follow the gradual release model by having students practice with later parts of the book or a guided reading text.

Students can easily do this on their own with a T-chart in a reading journal or use a blank graphic organizer with any book.  A blank organizer can be accessed {here}.

To extend the learning with this book, teachers may be interested in using this Youtube clip to model how to give a book commercial.  I am introducing these in my classroom and as I planned this lesson, I just happened to find a perfect example.  Check it out!

Interested in the full unit including an Earth Day lapbook, class writing materials for a class book, and other comprehension options?  Click the product image below.

Visualizing is one of the most important skills for developing comprehension, and certainly, using key text examples for modeling helps those who struggle to picture the story. For other posts about visualizing on my blog, check out this list.

• 6 MORE EFFECTIVE VISUALIZING LESSON IDEAS FOR ELEMENTARY READERS
• 5 EFFECTIVE TIPS FOR TEACHING KIDS TO VISUALIZE