Elementary Library

Yes, to examine and explain. We are going to examine connections to determine which helps us understand the story best. DIRECT INSTRUCTION & PRACTICE Step 1: Review Review types of connections. Step 2: Read Aloud & Write Connections Create a chart on a whiteboard with three large columns. Explain that students will write connections during a story read aloud, analyze them, and then place them in the appropriate columns after the book ends. They should try to make one of each type of connection, and can make more than one if they want.

Read the first story with the discussion guide. Pause story as necessary to allow students time to write connections.

Step 3: Analyze Connections Before inviting students to add their connections to the chart, have them work in small groups to analyze the most useful connections.

Scaffold for students with questions on the table: ●​ Does this connection help me understand the characters? ●​ Does this connection help me understand the setting? ●​ Does this connection help me understand the plot? ●​ Does this connection help me understand the big ideas? ●​ Does this connection help me understand the book better? How?

As a group, students should choose 3-4 most useful connections to add to the class chart.

Scan the chart and congratulate students on analyzing their own thinking so well. Highlight strong examples.

Review “I can” statements and ask students for thumbs up or thumbs down if they think they mastered today’s learning.

Dismiss for circulation. READER’S ADVISORY, CIRCULATION PROCEDURES & DISMISSAL

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