My usual approach is to use the texts listed in Debbie Miller for questioning but after attending a workshop by Linda Hoyt I have decided to use more nonfiction texts. That way they can sketch to stretch their mental images and actually be accountable for understanding the text rather than having to consider that their picture is open to interpretation of the author's words. It also makes sense in terms of their connections because they can much more easily modify or confirm their connections. Again, often though certainly not always, fiction connections and inferences are open to opinion about the author's words rather than fact. For example, we are studying the moon, sun, and stars. My interactive read aloud very definitely implants certain visual images that are substantiated by the text: moon surface, orbit, phases etc. The kids can check how deep they are thinking about the words by evaluating the details of their sketches. The Moon by Gail Gibbons So that's how the moon changes shape both good choices for mental images and connections Experiments with the sun and the moon (great for inferences) Though any book works with any strategy. I love doing a four blocks lesson called (Guess yes or no) as an anticipatory set for their connections. Moves the whole K-W-L along. I also love doing a four blocks game called rivet with inferences . Yeah... I like thinking more in terms of an umbrella of ideas from one reading. _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org.
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