Readers,
As a voracious reader, I love discussing books with other lovers of literature. I have joined book clubs, emailed with friends, and sat down over many meals where the conversation turned to what everyone was reading. Books are a part of my life.
However, I have noticed I have certain friends who never fail to disappoint me with their EXCELLENT recommendations. I finally figured out why they are so great at this life skill ...
When recommending a book to me, they give a concise, precise summary of the book. Their summary consist of the main characters, the setting, and the problem and solution, otherwise known as, the plot. They use LITERARY ELEMENTS to explain what the book is about!
I would like for you to write a short summary about the fiction book you are reading, including characters, setting, and the plot (problem/solution). Assume I have not read the book and be sure to edit your work.
Here is an example from Ruby Holler:
Dallas and Florida are two orphans who are often refered to as 'trouble twins.' They live in a home for children until an older couple adopts them and takes them to their small home in beautiful Ruby Holler. Dallas and Florida begin to build a relationship with the older couple, but are troubled with the couple's plan to split them up for the summer to go on different journeys. The twins plan on running away and living on their own, but the promise of money, and the kindness of the older couple delay them for a while. They have to find a way to stay together, but not go back to the awful home for children.
I cannot wait to see your understanding of what you are reading!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
If It's Broke, Fix It!
Readers,
I have enjoyed getting to know all of you as readers over the past few weeks and have especially enjoyed hearing your thoughts about books. It is always so interesting to know how readers connect to the text, and where their minds take them when they read.
The other day, a student told me he had abandoned a book because he did not understand it. Truthfully, this happens to all readers at some point, especially when we do not select books that are just right for us. However, in this student's case, he had been enjoying the book, and read most of it with ease. His breakdown in understanding (comprehension) only occurred at a particular part in the book, not the entire book. Readers, when this happens, we use our Fix-Up Strategies to "fix" our comprehension when it breaks down.
Before we begin this unit of study on Fix-Up Strategies in Reading Workshop, I am curious what strategies you already use to fix comprehension. What do you do when you do not understand a part of a book? How do you know when your understanding is broken and how do you try to fix it?
I have enjoyed getting to know all of you as readers over the past few weeks and have especially enjoyed hearing your thoughts about books. It is always so interesting to know how readers connect to the text, and where their minds take them when they read.
The other day, a student told me he had abandoned a book because he did not understand it. Truthfully, this happens to all readers at some point, especially when we do not select books that are just right for us. However, in this student's case, he had been enjoying the book, and read most of it with ease. His breakdown in understanding (comprehension) only occurred at a particular part in the book, not the entire book. Readers, when this happens, we use our Fix-Up Strategies to "fix" our comprehension when it breaks down.
Before we begin this unit of study on Fix-Up Strategies in Reading Workshop, I am curious what strategies you already use to fix comprehension. What do you do when you do not understand a part of a book? How do you know when your understanding is broken and how do you try to fix it?
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