Reading for Meaning

In reading workshop we have been discussing how readers have two important jobs. Readers have to figure out and say the words on the page using reading strategies, but readers also have to think about what they are reading.  In the reader's mind, a lot of thinking is going on.  The thinking is what helps you understand the story.  We focused a lot last week on activating our schema (information already in our heads, and experiences in our lives) to make connections to our books.  This week we are practicing retelling a story.  We tell the parts of the story right in order including the characters, setting, problem, and solution.  This helps us to remember the story better and remember it longer.  Strong readers stop and retell while they are reading to help them understand the story.  Please encourage your child to retell their stories at home too!

Anchor Chart

Sample Retell - Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus