Comprehension is the reason for reading…Good readers are both purposeful and active. (National Institute for Literacy.)
Good readers are always looking for information and trying to make connections. Talking, writing, dramatizations, and art are just a few of the ways children can demonstrate what they have read (or heard as young learners).
Who? What? Where? When? Why?
Sing this song to the tune of “Ten Little Indians” before reading a story so children will be looking for the information:
Who? What? Where? When? Why?
Who? What? Where? When? Why?
Who? What? Where? When? Why?
Ask questions when you read.
I’ve Got the Whole Story in My Hands
Hold up your hand as you sing to the tune of “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands:”
I’ve got the whole story in my hand,
I’ve got the whole story in my hand,
I've got the whole story in my hand,
And I can read.
I’ve got the who, what, when, where, why…
And I can read!
*Write story elements on the fingers of a cloth glove and use them to recall details. In addition to "who, what, where, when, why" you could write "somebody" "wanted" "but" "so" "then." You could also write "title" "author" "beginning" "middle" "end."
Story Sticks
You will need large craft sticks and a sock for this project.
Write a different story element (characters, setting, problem, resolution, etc.) on each stick with a marker. Place the sticks in the sock and throw the sock over your shoulder before you begin to read. It will be a reminder to your class to focus on those things. After reading the story, let different students choose a stick and tell that part of the story.
*Write story elements on index cards and put them in a sack.
Mama Mia
Make a pizza out of cardboard and felt. Write story elements under slices. Children pick a slice and tell about it.
Write a different story element (characters, setting, problem, resolution, etc.) on each stick with a marker. Place the sticks in the sock and throw the sock over your shoulder before you begin to read. It will be a reminder to your class to focus on those things. After reading the story, let different students choose a stick and tell that part of the story.
*Write story elements on index cards and put them in a sack.
Mama Mia
Make a pizza out of cardboard and felt. Write story elements under slices. Children pick a slice and tell about it.
