Blog 3

I would like to write about the section in chapter 5 titled, "Thinking Through Text Together: An Anchor Chart in the Making".

Reading the chart on page 60 reminded me of the "oh-so scatterbrained" remarks that children make during a read aloud. Children will comment about anything during a read aloud, regardless if it relates to the text.

I feel the anchor chart is a great way to help students think through their text. By placing a 1 or a 2 next to the child's statement, students can see whether or not the statement relates to the book. Furthermore, students can make connections between their life and the book by making this chart, and later see if their connection actually connect.

Here are links to pictures of a few anchor charts which were actually used in classrooms around the country!

http://www.readingonline.org/electronic/webwatch/authors/fig1.jpg

http://www.u-46.org/dbs/roadmap/files/From%20the%20Field/anchor-where.jpg

I really loved the dialect between the children in the chapter. I actually felt as if I was in a classroom listening to them talk about the connections made. It really impressed me when the students thought of connecting the main idea of the story, not just minor points. I feel teachers should model this kind of discussion with students. When students figure out ideas for themselves, with minor help from a teacher-made chart, the learning is greater and more genuine.

Happy readings,
Sarah