This chapter had a lot of really great components in my opinion. One of my favorite sections was the one about interrogating the text. Joanne interrogated "The Sniper" by asking questions such as, "Could he really trick the other sniper", and " Why drop your rifle... doesn't it have your fingerprints all over it?" I feel like this is a great way to process your thoughts while reading. Anybody who is reading a book has to have questions, and I think writing yours down helps to get more involved with the book. I think it is a good idea because you can look back once you are done with the book and see if your questions are answered. I guess I just think this is a great way to engage with the text.
My second favorite part was the part about role playing. Joanne and Cora both reported mentally putting themselves as the characters in the book. They would do scenes where they could see themselves in, in the context of their own lives. I think this is also a great way to interact with the text. I have also placed myself as a character in books before if I can relate to what is going on. I feel like this makes my reading a little bit more fun and interesting, as well as involving me more. Ron even went as far as to actually physically roleplay. He would act out a scene by himself, or even invite his friends to get involved. I feel like this is beneficial because it sounds fun, and he is associating reading with fun so he will be more likely to read in the future. This may also create a bond with his friends, and encourage them to read if they have fun.
I found a blog called Helbling Readers that states having students roleplay their reading in class may not only help them become more involved with the book, but it may also help them with other skills. Helbling Readers states that role playing can help students expand their vocabulary, and work on public speaking skills. Instead of just sitting in a chair reading in your head, getting up in front of the class and actually speaking the words your reading will help with these skills. Actually acting out the scenes may help students remember words and phrases for longer periods of time. Also it just makes for more fun in the classroom, which is always helpful.
Sources:
http://blog.helblingreaders.com/?p=473
I love to write questions as I read. It engages my mind past the text! I always liked to watch the role playing, but never liked to do it myself... Is there a way we could do different things for the students who do not learn this way? Maybe giving an option- or we might decide it is good to push them past their comfort zone.
ReplyDeleteSarah is going to do her presentation on annotating, which includes asking questions as readers read a text...it sounds like it might be something you'd use in your future classroom. The Sniper is a great story, too. Students are usually really interested in it :)
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