- KNOW
- WANT to know
- LEARNED
Students can fill this chart out as they read, making critical thinking just as much of a part of the activity as the act of reading. These students will have a much deeper understanding of the content after this because the KWL model makes them map out their thoughts/knowledge acquisitions. Comprehension is more than understanding the text, it is also connecting it to the bigger picture albeit it the lesson, experiences, or life in general. The chart on the right depicts some great strategies for both readers and teachers to better comprehend the story. This is a great quick tool teacher can post in the classroom or keep on hand, in order to keep comprehension ever-present in the reading lessons. Plus, who doesn't love a little creativity in their lessons? This is a great tool because it offers strategies to help all sorts of different readers.
The Gregory and Cahill article Kindergartners Can Do It, Too!Comprehension Strategies for Early Readers asserted the importance of teaching comprehension strategies to EVEN THE YOUNG STUDENTS. It is ever too early to start comprehensive strategy connections. The only thing teachers need to keep in mind is keeping the lesson on their level. Here is a great way to help students connect the story:- CONNECTION - where have I seen this before?
- VISUALIZE - my mind movie is playing this scene...
- QUESTION - what will happen next?
No, let's not ask students in kindergarten to visualize, let's ask them to tell us their mind movie! It keeps the lesson fun and the objective clear. The same goes along with schema, instead our class can connect their ideas to what they already know. I loved how this article kept everyone involved in comprehension, even the little guys.
I like the way you set up your post this week! It was easy to read and pick out the main points. The poster you included is one I used as well because it has great activities and could allow the children to choose what strategy they want to use. I remember doing the KWL charts in school and I always felt that they helped me organize my thoughts. I will use them in my future classroom for sure!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your colorful comprehension posters for this week! I agree with you when you say that comprehension is more about just understanding a text, you have to make connections with the text. Even though younger students may not be able to truly read a text, they can still make connections with what is being read to them by asking questions about what is being read to them.
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