II. Group Activity
The instructor:
- Directs participants to choose a partner or form a small group
and read the first two chapters of Sarah Plain and Tall out
loud, stopping after the reading of several paragraphs to
"Say
Something" .
- Reminds participants that Before they begin reading, they may want
to look at the story title and cover page and discuss what they think
the story may be about.
- Advises that participants should plan to stop after reading several
paragraphs or at the end of each page. Participants should also stop
if what they are reading moves them to respond spontaneously. In addition
to commenting upon what was read, participants may share related experiences
or make a prediction(s) about what might happen next.
- Distributes one copy of Sarah. Plain and Tall to
each-pair or small group and
- Circulates among the readers to clarify the task.
NOTE: The intent of this technique is to encourage readers
to stop and respond. If partners or groups become preoccupied with word
meanings which are peripheral to understanding the story line, urge them
to put a pencil check beside the word and return to it later. If this
occurs, keep a record of the words and provide a mini-lesson on using
context to infer word meanings as part of the introduction in the next
session. (See Session Nine for an example.)
III.
Summarizing Concepts
When the majority of participants are
finished the first two chapters, the instructor addresses the total
group and:
- Reinforces the use of the
"Say Something" technique by
asking:
a) What kinds of things did you and your
partner(s) share/talk about,
b) How did what your partner
say help you understand the story or influence your thinking?
c) How did the "Say Something" technique help you
understand the first two chapters?
NOTE: The idea is to illustrate the variety of responses
made, that some responses are directed to ideas that are confusing and
others are very personal. We do not have just one kind of thinking when
we read.
IV. Making Connections
The
instructor:
- Suggests that participants may wish to try the
"Say
Something" technique when reading with their children at home.
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