Monday, August 30, 2010

Reading

This term, room 5 are looking at voicethread. This is a program were users from all around the globe can hear room 5 at work. This term, we are looking at forces so I incorporated this into our reading program. I have been concentrating on using Sheena Cameron's strategies within reading. She is a firm believer that in order for children to read well, and the key to reading well is comprehension.

The class was split into 4 groups with each one foccusing on a scientific story (either fictional or non fictional) They were asked to read the story in their groups and then make a list of 8 questions (2 for each section). In doing this, we were looking at a 'Questioning and answer relationship'. There are four types of questions that can be used in order to gain full understanding from a text:

Right There
The answer to the question is RIGHT THERE IN THE TEXT. Some questions could be - Who is the main character? Where does the story take place? When does the story take place?

Think and Search
The answer to a 'think and search' question is IN THE TEXT but may require you to search around. Some quesitons might be - What are the effects of... Tell me in your own words... Describe the character traits of...

Author and You
The answer is NOT IN THE TEXT. IT will require you to use your own background knowledge plus what the autor has told you in the text. Some questions could be - What do you predict... What might have happened if.... How would the story be different if it was told from....

On Your Own
The answer is NOT IN THE TEXT. You need to use your own background knowldege and experience. Some questions could be - Is it fair to... Would you agree that... In your opinion...

Below are the four stories. This is an on-going task so it may take a week before all questions are posted







Science Project



Room 5 are busy researching different people who have been significant in the field of science - particularly those instrumental in finding out about forces, gravity and propulsion,