I am continuing to fall in love with the signposts the more I teach them. Yesterday, I got to teach the Notice and Note signpost (Beers & Probst, 2013) of Words of the Wiser. This lesson got students to stop and take notice when a wiser, often older character gives advice to the main character. I taught this lesson to the same class of students to which I had taught the Tough Questions signpost.
Before I begin sharing my thoughts on the text I chose, I want to say that it is extremely hard finding a picture book deep enough to have this signpost in it. I think this is why students have such a hard time identifying the theme in texts, because the life lesson is not always clear in the model texts we use with them. If you come across any elementary picture books that have consistent examples of this signpost, please let me know because it was a struggle finding one.
The Book Review
I ended I up using a book recommended by colleagues entitled Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney. This book is about a young girl who wants to travel the world and lead a life of adventure like her grandfather. Her grandfather was pleased with her enthusiasm, but wanted one more thing for her: To make the world more beautiful. It is a must-read and must-add to your interactive read aloud repertoire! This book is a great tale, and the theme was readily evident to students.
Reflections
The students were a little antsy since I was the unlucky fellow to be scheduled right before the Valentine’s Day celebration. Here is what I would replay or change:
Before I begin sharing my thoughts on the text I chose, I want to say that it is extremely hard finding a picture book deep enough to have this signpost in it. I think this is why students have such a hard time identifying the theme in texts, because the life lesson is not always clear in the model texts we use with them. If you come across any elementary picture books that have consistent examples of this signpost, please let me know because it was a struggle finding one.
The Book Review
I ended I up using a book recommended by colleagues entitled Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney. This book is about a young girl who wants to travel the world and lead a life of adventure like her grandfather. Her grandfather was pleased with her enthusiasm, but wanted one more thing for her: To make the world more beautiful. It is a must-read and must-add to your interactive read aloud repertoire! This book is a great tale, and the theme was readily evident to students.
Reflections
The students were a little antsy since I was the unlucky fellow to be scheduled right before the Valentine’s Day celebration. Here is what I would replay or change:
- Replay and change- The Book Choice: There were only two instances of Words of the Wiser- one in the beginning of the book, and one towards the end. Therefore, my lesson was great for modeling, but because there was not enough examples of the signposts, I could not effectively release responsibilities to the students.
- Change- Lack of cohesion: Because I am a “guest teacher” who comes in once a month to teach the signposts, I am not sure whether or not what I teach is being used by the students during their independent reading time or in the midst of reading workshop. I have an idea that they probably don’t think about the signposts until I show up, because when I quickly review what they remember, it takes them a while to recall the signposts. Perhaps I should co-teach the signposts with the classroom teacher towards the beginning of the year, teaching each of them the first six weeks of school, instead of one per month. By “frontloading” way, students have opportunity to practice using the signposts all year long.