Noteblog 7-- Due 3/16

This week, I chose to read the article, "Proof, Practice and Promise: Comprehension Strategy Instruction in the Primary Grades" written by Katherine A. Dougherty Stahl. The focus of the article was on grades k-2. Comprehension strategies are very important for the success of the students. Stahl wrote, "children who actively engage in particular cognitive strategies are likely to understand and recall more of what they read." This is one thing that everyone has heard more than once and I definitely agree with it. Two weeks ago Andrea and I gave our presentation on Comprehension and one of the handouts listed multiple strategies that good comprehensers use. Most, if not all of these strategies are discussed in this article.

There were many things that I read about in this article that being done in the classroom I am in. One of the major concepts the article focused on that is done in my classroom is guided retelling and questioning. In my classroom the students read a story aloud and then we have a classroom discussion about it. The CT facilitates the conversation thus, it keeps the discussion on track. These discussions help the students pick out important information. Also, the students can share their thoughts and opinions in the discussion.

One thing that the article pointed out was an extention that can be used with "low achievers." The extention is called "five fingers." Each finger represents a key idea: charaters, setting, problem, plot and resolution. These steps will help the students to better form their ideas and answer questions in a more complete manner.

Hope everyone had a refreshing break! =)