Reading strategies support comprehension in reading. They help scaffold the students' thinking, reading, note-taking skills, and writing. Reading Strategies for Fiction Fictional text is organized through the story structure. It is useful for students to describe the character by taking notes. To analyze the character, I use a web diagram and also a three column… Continue reading Reading Strategies with a Laser-Focus
Literary elements are the components of stories. Children have exposure to literary elements at a young age. What are literary elements? Setting, character, plot, mood, and theme are five examples. Setting is where the story takes place. I have students think about how the settings are relevant to the story. Let's use Little Red Riding… Continue reading Literary Elements are the Structures to Fiction
Literature Circles are a great way to have student led discussions. Students get a sense of responsibility, accountability, and cooperation. How do I start literature circles? The discussion director is the role I like to start with. As I read and think aloud, I write down questions. I model thought provoking, open ended questions. There… Continue reading Flexible Literature Circles can Empower Students
Goal setting worksheets guide students on their journey similar to how a map guides us when taking a road trip. Whenever, I take a road trip I break my trip into smaller parts. For example, if my destination is four hours away, I plan to take a break after driving for two hours. After driving… Continue reading Goal Setting Worksheets are like a Road Map
Study habits are more important than ever before. My own children will be learning remotely this fall. I organized a study area for each of them and am almost done organizing materials they might need. Now is a good time to think about what we can do to teach and encourage good study habits. What… Continue reading Study Habits for Successful Distant Learning
