TOOLS OF GOOD READERS AND WHO? WHAT? WHERE? WHEN? WHY?

This song will help children realize that they have the TOOLS they need to decode words.

The Tools of Good Readers
(Children repeat each line as they do in the “Rules of the Classroom.”)
Chorus:
The tools, the tools, the tools of good readers. (Children repeat.)
(Snap fingers and sway from left to right.)

Look, look, look at the picture. (Children repeat.)
(Point fingers to eyes.)
The tools, the tools, the tools of good readers. (Children repeat.)

Sound, sound, sound out the letters…(Point to ears.)
Chorus

Go back, go back, and read it again….(Twirl hands around.)
Chorus

Do you see a smaller chunk that you can read?...(Hold up thumb and index finger.)
Chorus

*Make a chart with the “tools of good readers” for your classroom. Remind children to use one of 

the tools when they come to a word they don’t know.

Activities: Let children make a “Reader’s Toolbox.” Fold a piece of construction paper in half. Attach pipe cleaners for handles. Have children cut out the strategies good readers use and save them in their toolboxes.



*When children decode a word encourage them to “think out loud” by describing the strategy they used.


Who? What? Where? When? Why?
Who? What? Where? When? Why?
Who? What? Where? When? Why?
Who? What? Where? When? Why?
Ask questions when you read.

Hint!  Sing this song to the tune of “Ten Little Indians” before reading a story so children will be looking for the information:

Comprehension Sticks
What? jumbo craft sticks, markers, sock
Why? story elements, comprehension
When? Large group or small group

How? Write “Who?” “What?” “Where?” “When?” “Why?” on sticks and insert them in a sock. Throw the sock over your shoulder before reading a book to prompt the children to be active listeners. After reading the story, let children choose a stick and tell that part.

*You could also write “author, illustrator, title, beginning, middle, end” or “characters, setting, problem, resolution.”



WH Brothers
Do you know those snoopy guys? They always ask questions.
WHO wants to know the person or thing.
WHERE wants to know the place.
WHEN wants to know the time.
WHAT wants to know what’s happening.
WHY wants to know the reason.