Previewing

Today we explored the use of previewing a text before reading it.  All week we will look at the different pre-reading strategies that strong readers use when they approach a new text.  Today we looked at how the special features of a text help us make some determinations about the content of the text before we even read it.  This really wasn't so hard once we realized how much we could learn from just a few captions.

When you see your child begin to read a new non-fiction text, ask them what they think it is going to be about.  If they can't tell you, they are not ready to begin reading it.  They should look at the headings, maps, captions, graphs, pulled-out text, bold type and other highlighted texts.  Then they should be able to give you an idea of what they are about to read.  Doing this will help them begin to think of questions, make predictions and connect the text to any background they have about the topic.

We have begun exploring new vocabulary words.  We won't learn definitions exactly; we will focus more on synonyms of the new words.  We do this because it is easier to learn a word faster if you attach it to a word you already know.  Students will know how to correctly use the new words through this strategy as well.

Here are our words for this week:  noble, insinuate, cynical, eloquence, integrated, and shrewd.

Homework is to read for 30 minutes.  Check out our blogs!  The kids are creating some great stuff independently and would love feedback.