Lesson 56: Connecting to Self
Procedure
- Explain that when stories remind us of things that have happened to us, we are using a helpful strategy for reading.
- Introduce Chart 1, 2 & 3.
- Introduce the text you have selected. (refer to ‘How to implement a lesson’.) Use the think aloud strategy to make a personal connection to the text, e.g. This reminds me of the time I …
- Introduce some starters to support students to put their connections in sentences. A few examples:
- Invite students to share a ‘before reading’ connection with a friend. Support them to use a starter.
- Tell students you will read the whole text. Tell students to think about the connections they are making as they listen.
*Note: You may opt to instruct students to record one connection on a sticky note as you read. - After reading, share some connections. Support students to use the starters to speak in sentences.
- Revisit one or two key sections of the text to prompt for ‘during reading’ connections.
Applying
- Invite students to share any additional connections with a friend.
Checking for understanding
- Highlight one or two meaningful connections you heard. Explain why these connections are powerful in understanding the text more deeply.
Learning reflection
- Introduce Chart 4. Prompt for reflection using the learning checklist.
Lesson charts
Text models
Any text or section of text you are reading.
Blackline masters
Suggestions for teaching
Recommended approach
- Print the comprehension poster for permanent display in your classroom.
- Use a digital display such as an electronic board or television monitor for lesson charts and text models.
Alternative approaches
- Print all lesson charts. Use a digital display such as an electronic board or television monitor for text models.
- Print lesson charts and text models for use with your whole class or small group.
Copying or modification of resources
All charts and artwork, including illustrations, text models and photographs provided on the Literacy Teachers’ Academy website are protected by copyright. Copying, replicating or modifying any part of these resources for any use, other than their original purpose is strictly prohibited.
