Reading a poem multiple times and then developing questions helps a reader to understand the real meaning behind a poem. Readers in third grade are asked to infer the real meaning based on words, phrases and full stanzas in their poems. They are asked to determine the main idea, word meanings based on context clues and develop an understanding of the central emotion the poet was determined to deliver.
When reading with your student at home, many parents often ask how they can be more helpful. This is a list of awesome questions that are often used when we read with our students in a small group setting. Feel free to try them out. (Not all at once though!)
I found this from Pinterest, something I've seen before. Children who read often are exposed to more words, more vocabulary and have increased fluency. (Which then leads to increased comprehension!) It's a WIN-WIN situation, folks! Don't skip the reading!
Readers in the classroom have been working on learning how to have a strong conversation with their partners. We discussed and practiced how to use our bodies in respectful ways and then how to use our words to show comprehension of our books.
Students then go to their desks after learning the physical and verbal parts of being a partner to read and come up with an idea/topic of conversation for their partner.
Partner work is such an important time for students to sort out what they are thinking about their books and practice the kind of "book talk" we hope to hear from them in conferences.
This is cracking me up! How many times have you stayed awake to read "Just a few more pages" and found yourself with little sleep and hardly able to function? While this could definitely pose a problem, this is exactly what we want for our kids! We want them to love reading and to create a relationship with their books.
Over the last few weeks, third graders have been working hard to establish habits of a healthy reader. We've been defining and developing our habits that we'll need to have a successful year. Here's a look at some of the important lessons your student has been learning:
We've discussed at length the importance of picking a book that is appropriate for your own personal reading level. This is why our students choose books carefully and intentionally! Reading a book that is on your own level or slightly below ensures great practice at skills you're learning without the struggle of having to spend time decoding difficult words. It also promotes fluency!
We've also discussed the importance of taking notes while you read. We know that adult readers don't often stop while reading a fictional book to "stop and jot notes", but we also know our capacity for remembering fine details is more advanced than your average eight and nine year old. Also, students are doing so much amazing thinking that it is pertinent that they are aware of and can explain that thinking to others. We ask students to take notes on particular things that jump out at them that they would like to discuss with their partners.
Ask your student what they've learned about partnerships this week and how they can apply these previous lessons to their discussions with their partners.
