"A book, too, can be a star, 'explosive material, capable of stirring up fresh life endlessly,' a living fire to lighten the darkness, leading out into the expanding universe." - from Madeleine L'Engle's Newberry Medal Acceptance Speech

Friday, March 22, 2019

Planning your Lesson for Picture Book Reading

For our final celebration, you will all be playing Teacher and reading your picture book to elementary school children. It is important you are prepared with a lesson plan; you will be reading to small groups of 5 or so students at a time for about 7 minutes then rotating.

In small groups or individually, discuss the following question and write down notes in your notebook:
What do you think are some do's and don'ts when reading to this young age group?


Lesson Plan 101 - Write a lesson plan for the reading on a separate piece of paper; include:

Your name:

Title of picture book:

Audience (what grade/s):

Focus/purpose: What do you want the students to think, feel, and know about your issue? What is the overall purpose of your lesson? (Your lesson should focus on and lead to this purpose.)

I. Introduction - briefly introduce who you are (name) and the title of your book. Ask them their names.

II. Pre-reading
* provide any necessary background information on your book; however, you do not have to read your author's note
* ask 1 or 2 questions that will get the students excited and prepared to think about the most important issue in your book; make sure the questions are simple enough to understand and are not yes or no questions that will lead to a one-word answer

Sample questions:
* For issues of bullying, racism, etc.: Describe a time you were mean to someone or someone was mean to you. or What does it mean to tease someone? What are some examples?
* Pollution: What are some ways that we dirty or ruin our environment?
* Treatment of animals: Do you have any pets? How do you take care of your pets?

III. During the reading
* stop and ask questions about the book that will help the students understand it better; identify the most important parts of the book and stop here and ask a question. Prepare 2 or 3 questions.
* write your questions on post-its on the pages where you will stop and ask them
* show your pictures

Sample questions:
* What do you notice about the character? About the setting?
* What is happening in this part?
* How do you think the character feels? Why?

IV. Post reading
* this is the conclusion of your lesson where you want to engage the students in a final discussion about the theme and message of your book

Sample questions:
* What lesson did you learn from this book?
* What did the main character do in the end? What does this show about him/her?
* What did the main character learn in the end?
* What questions do you have?

V. If there's time:
What are you working on in writing? Would you like to share it with me?

5 comments:

  1. -articulate
    -don't read too fast or too slow
    -show pictures
    -read with emotion
    -don't talk down to them - respect them; don't treat them like little babies; no yelling
    -be genial and friendly
    -don't ostracize the children
    -read with finesse
    -be confident/resolute
    -stay on topic
    -remember that you are trying to instill positive values and message
    -be mature
    -ask relevant questions

    ReplyDelete
  2. -don't read too fast - just the right pace
    -be mature and act appropriately; use right vocabulary
    -show pictures; don't cover your face with the book
    -read with emotion; dramatize characters; use different voices
    -explain to the kids things they may not know or understand
    -answer their questions politely
    -be sure to articulate audibly
    -be patient, polite, not sarcastic; be a positive leader
    -don't read for too long - 10 min
    -keep kids involved and engaged
    -stay focused

    ReplyDelete
  3. -be calm and patient; don't scream, curse, hit, bite
    -read at the right pace
    -be articulate; don't be inaudible
    -have the right posture and body language - keep your head up, look at your audience
    -read with emotion; read with the right tone for your audience
    -interact with the kids - ask questions, engage them
    -when or if they get off track or interrupt, refocus them nicely
    -show the pictures; don't cover your face
    -model good behavior - don't be churlish
    -be mature and respectful; be sensitive


    ReplyDelete
  4. 810
    - read with expression; use different voices
    - be nice to kids; don't scare them
    - speak with the right pace
    - demand that they pay attention by waiting for them to be quiet
    - model the correct behavior
    - engage them
    - eye contact

    ReplyDelete
  5. 812 notes
    - speak loudly and clearly
    - make sure everyone sees the book
    - don't take offense if kids criticize you
    - emphasize important points in your book
    - don't rush; pace yourself
    - be fun, energetic but don't hype them up too much
    - be respectful
    - ask thoughtful questions
    - relate to your audience
    - read with lively voice; vary your voice; use emotion
    - smile
    - be mature; be good role models

    ReplyDelete