Moving along with our Reading Comprehension work, we have been focused on the strategy of Determining Importance within non-fiction text. We have had a great time using non-reading activities to help us develop an understanding of this strategy before, and along with, applying it in our actual reading. To introduce the subject, I have the kids look through my purse and determine the items that would be important if I were to go to the gym this afternoon.
TOPIC - My purse
MAIN IDEA - Working Out at the Gym
We talked about how readers have to first look at the topic (My Purse) then determine the main idea (working out) to be able to decide what details/facts/information is important for them to note. Once this is determined, then we begin the process of breaking the information down into the VERY IMPORTANT and INTERESTING, but NOT IMPORTANT details to aid understanding. edit.
TOPIC - My purse
MAIN IDEA - Working Out at the Gym
We talked about how readers have to first look at the topic (My Purse) then determine the main idea (working out) to be able to decide what details/facts/information is important for them to note. Once this is determined, then we begin the process of breaking the information down into the VERY IMPORTANT and INTERESTING, but NOT IMPORTANT details to aid understanding. edit.
Then, it was THEIR turn to determine importance with their back packs! First, we unloaded everything onto our desks.
TOPIC - Back pack
MAIN IDEA - A successful day here AT SCHOOL (not on the way to or from)
There were a few back packs that definitely got a good "clean out" today! They did an excellent job determining which items were absolutely necessary to a successful day here and those things which are nice, but not as important.
TOPIC - Back pack
MAIN IDEA - A successful day here AT SCHOOL (not on the way to or from)
There were a few back packs that definitely got a good "clean out" today! They did an excellent job determining which items were absolutely necessary to a successful day here and those things which are nice, but not as important.
Finally, during independent work time, they had to determine, out of six items, the most important/interesting but not important for a camping trip. After sorting them, they had to JUSTIFY why they placed their item where they did in writing. After they had proven their argument for their thinking, they had to share with their partners and see if they agreed or disagreed and what their thinking together was.
There was A LOT going on in our room, sorting/justifying/writing, independent reading (for those done early), partner whisper shares, small group work at the back table, AR testing, and library time! The kids did GREAT staying on task and focused through it all - Whoo hoo!