Category: Reinforce

Color Code Your Thinking – Developing Active and Thoughtful Readers

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Four must-have resources that will improve your reading instruction

Critical thinking is an integral component during the learning process, so I wanted to implement a system into my classroom reading routine that would encourage my students to activate their higher-order thinking skills during each of their reading experiences. I also wanted to further improve my students’ comprehension by teaching them how to monitor their reading more efficiently and consistently. I wanted my students to always consider the following:

  • “Does the text make sense?”
  • “I understand what I’m reading because…”

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The Interactive Speech Bubble

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Must-have resources that will improve your reading instruction:

What are your must-have reading resources? For me, it was four resources I implemented consistently throughout the year, and this week, I’m going to share each resource and explain why they were must-haves in my classroom.

My Reading focus wall showcased my four must-have reading resources:
1. Interactive Speech Bubble, 2. Color-Code Your Thinking, 3. Reading Comprehension Posters, and 4. R.E.A.D. Strategy Posters.

Today, I’m sharing about my interactive speech bubble! During the past several years, I created a large speech bubble on our reading focus wall with the header: What Does the Text Say? The speech bubble served three different purposes throughout the year.

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Anchor Charts: Powerful Learning Tools

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The headers and graphics were prepared before meeting with students. The teachable content was added with student input.

I’m often asked how I create anchor charts and what materials are my favorite. So let’s talk anchor charts! Below, I’ve organized my thoughts and beliefs on using anchor charts in the classroom.  This is my personal philosophy. It’s not the “right way” or the “better way.” It’s just my way.

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