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      • inferring
      • predicting
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      • new for us foods
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learning during read-alouds: critical thinking, new literacies

home / reading / comprehension / activating schema / learning during read-alouds: critical thinking, new literacies
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post contains affiliate links

 

critical thinking during read alouds

 

I read an extremely interesting article this week that has really left me thinking about how I read with my children.

It left me thinking about my expectations for what we discuss and for what my children are capable of gaining from texts.

It left me thinking about how deeply we delve into the books we read and whether or not I am helping to prepare Maddy, Owen, and Cora for a ‘new’ literacy–a literacy ‘reconceptualized for the 21st century’.

I am fairly confident that during many of our read-alouds, I do my best to sneak in some sort of comprehension strategy, whether it be connecting, questioning, predicting, or the like.ย  But I’m not sure how much critical thinking I have my kids do during read-alouds.ย  I’m not sure how much ‘multi-modal’ reading we do, and I’m not sure how much ‘remixing’ of information they do with the texts they read.

I know it sounds like a lot, but it’s really not that difficult once I broke it all down.

A lot of ’21st century literacy’ is what I do every day on teach mama and we teach.ย  It’s a lot of what many of us do on Facebook or Twitter or Pinterest or perhaps in the presentations we create for work or the invitations we create for our kids’ birthday parties or the apps we use for gaming, exercising, eating, or shopping.

It’s a natural next step for many of us to bring to own children so that they–our future–are able to learn, adapt, and grow as ‘connected’ learners of the millennium.

Here’s the skinny. . .

  • Critical Thinking & New Literacies: ‘New’ Literacies, as outlined in “Envisioning New Literacies Through a Lens of Teaching and Learning”, by Lapp, Moss & Rowsell (The Reading Teacher, March 2012), contain three principles — critical thinking; engagement with multi-modal texts; and the transformation and redesign of text information.

Yeeeowzers. That’s a mouthful. But I promise it’s do-able. And I do think it’s seriously worthwhile. . .

read-alouds, critical thinking, new literacies

Zen Shorts (and Zen Ghosts) by Jon J. Muth are great texts for critical thinking exercises.

My goal in the next few weeks is to share several ways that every parent and child can incorporate all of the ‘new literacy’ principles in simple–and meaningful–ways.

Here, we’re focusing on the first element, critical thinking, because it seemed the most natural for us at the time.ย  We were reading Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth–a perfect book for stretching minds.

Zen Shorts is a sweet and thoughtful book about a story-telling panda named Stillwater who moves into Michael, Karl, and Addy’s neighborhood, teaching them lessons that help the children better understand themselves and others.

We love the book for its illustrations, but even more amazing are the messages that Stillwater shares within the stories he tells.

I’m just sure that my kids have ever really understood them.ย  They understand the surface, but I don’t think they understand the deeper meaning.

So with critical thinking in mind, during our read-aloud, I wanted to focus on one of Stillwater’s stories and really talk the kids through it. I wanted to make sure that they ‘got’ at least one of the stories, and I just knew that talking them through too much would be an instant turn-off.

My number one priority is that I want them to always love reading with me–which is why learning during read-alouds has to be totally sneaky.

So my comments focused on the story that Stillwater told Karl:

read-alouds, critical thinking, new literacies

  • The cool thing about this story is that Stillwater’s stories mean different things to different people.ย  Here, Stillwater tells Karl about the monks carrying a woman over puddles.ย  What’s your favorite part of this little story?
  • What does the story say to you?
  • Can you think of a time when you might have carried–or held onto–something longer than you needed?ย 
  • How did you feel when you ‘let it go’?

I didn’t push. I just wanted them to think more deeply, more critically.ย  What surprised me was that Cora was the least inhibited–the one most eager to share her ideas and to think ‘outside the box’.ย  Maddy and Owen were more conscious of being ‘wrong’, which was a red flag for me.ย  We need to discuss-openly and supportively–more often.

I’ll definitely continue a teeny critical-thinking slant to our read-alouds, using some of the following prompts, depending on what we’re reading:

  • Why do you think [the character] made that choice?
  • How might the story have been different if. . .
  • What clues does the author give us to show that. . .
  • How does the author share his (or her) message?
  • What might this character be thinking when. . .
  • What do you think the author wants readers to remember most in this story?. . .

And that’s it–we talked through two of Stillwater’s stories and only briefly about the third; we had a pile of books to read, and I wanted to make sure I hit them all, throwing in a few think-alouds, questions, connections, and predictions when we could. Happy sneaky read-aloud reading!

fyi: this post contains affiliate links

 

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About amy mascott

teacher, mother, dreamer. lover of literacy, fun learning, good food, and three crazy-cool kids. finder of four-leaf clovers | dc metro ยท http://about.me/amymascott
tweet with me: @teachmama

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Debbie

    May 15, 2012 at 6:10 am

    Hi,
    I am glad you brought this up. I think we have always asked students to make text to text or text to self connections but the context of the question has not required students to go back to the text to find answers. They have been able to rely on their opinions and experiences; and while those are important as they lend themselves to setting the stage during pre-reading, I think some of these questions require students to delve a bit deeper and mull over what they are reading. It will require students to be more proficient in the actual act of reading so that more energy can be given to analysis of text.

    Reply
    • amy

      May 15, 2012 at 11:33 am

      Debbie–I totally agree. Thinking this way requires more effort, energy, and focus, but I think to succeed in the future and to be proficient in the ‘new’ literacies, children need to start practicing these concepts now! Thanks so much for reading, and I totally appreciate you taking the time to write, my friend!

      Reply
  2. Holly

    May 15, 2012 at 7:46 am

    I always love your posts about reading-aloud. So many great ideas that are completely doable for parents. Thanks for all of your hard work, Amy! It’s greatly appreciated at our house.

    Reply
    • amy

      May 15, 2012 at 11:19 am

      Holly! Thank you so very much–your kind words and the fact that you take the time to read these posts means more than you know, my friend!!

      Reply
  3. Terri

    May 15, 2012 at 10:42 am

    Such great information! Thank you so much for this simple and doable approach to critical thinking.

    Reply
    • amy

      May 15, 2012 at 11:17 am

      thank you so much, Terri!! I am so glad you found it helpful and cannot thank you enough for reading–and taking the time to write!!

      Reply
  4. Stacey

    May 15, 2012 at 9:29 pm

    Amy- Another great post. I especially love the questions at the end that can be applied to any book at any time! And I might very well try out these new ideas with Zen Shorts. I have read it with the girls many times (Jon Muth came to their school last year) but I have always wondered if they ‘got it!’

    Reply
    • amy

      May 16, 2012 at 1:46 pm

      You are so welcome, Stacey! I appreciate the feedback and cannot wait to hear how it goes. . . and I am SO crazy jealous that Jon Muth came to your kids’ school–do you have photos!??!) eeeee!

      Reply
  5. Toys For Toddler

    May 16, 2012 at 2:56 pm

    Hi Amy,
    I love your post about reading aloud to our children and having them review what it is they are in actuality reading. I remember when I was in school my teacher used very similar methods after we had finished reading a book and for me I always remembered what those books were about instead of forgetting. I retained information so much more. I have a nearly two year old who absolutely loves to read and although we aren’t having those “in depth” conversations having ask and answer sessions after each story I know is enabling her to retain the material. She always goes back to those books!

    Reply
  6. Veens

    March 30, 2013 at 1:26 pm

    You make it sound so doable. Thank you for writing it down, so parents like me can understand and do this on a dail basis. I never really put so much thought on what all I could really do while reading aloud with the kiddo.
    I am a new follower, and I love your blog. What a great resource, your blog is!

    Reply
    • amy mascott

      March 30, 2013 at 1:32 pm

      Veens–YOU made my year. Many thanks. Really, making this ‘doable’ manageable, and fun for parents is my goal because we all CAN do it–just takes a teeny bit of thought and prep. Huge thanks for reading, and many thanks for taking the time to write, my friend!!

      Reply

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What a weekend. So incredibly proud of all of these talented athletes!

๐Ÿ† 3rd in the state of Maryland for @sherwoodcheerleading ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿค

UMD Womenโ€™s Basketball won todayโ€” great job by @marylandcheer โค๏ธ๐Ÿ’›๐Ÿ–ค

#lovethesegirls #cheerweekend #marylandlife #lifeinmaryland #moco
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This Sugarfina Advent Calendar is what your teens want. 

$33 shipped TO YOUR DOOR w my 10% off and FREE SHIPPING!

Normally itโ€™s $60! 

I have been sharing my fave, super-COOL, Advent Calendars for teens and adults in my stories today!

This one right here was ours from last year, and we โค๏ธ LOVED it!

It is made by @sugarfina and each day we were surprised with FABULOUS sweet treats! 

Good-bye to the ole, crappy, tinfoil chocolates. Weโ€™re taking fun, new, and different candies each day of the month!

Grab it here: zulily.gfpv.net/MX9Ngn

#linkinbio @zulily #adventcalendars #adventforteens
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Do you need a ride to the polls? If you do, @VOTE411 and @lyft has got you covered! 

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Did you have a chance to join my IG live today?

It was a rainy, gross Sunday here in Maryland, and I shared one of my top picks for the holidaysโ€”> LEGO but for BIG KIDS. 

Or GRANDPARENTS. 

Or PARENTS. 

Actually ANY grown-up who likes to unplug once in a while and CREATE. 

I showed how I was doing with the LEGO Flower Bouquet (๐ŸŒท๐ŸŒบ๐Ÿ’๐ŸŒผ) and how many other awesome sets are 15% off and FREE SHIPPING (yayyyyy!!) over on @zulily ๐Ÿ’œ. 

Check it out. Theyโ€™ve got a ton of sets to choose from, like 
Marvel, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Friends, Disney, Mario Brosโ€”you name it. 

Find them here: https://zulily.gfpv.net/jWqkmn

Fab prices + free shipping = BIG WIN. 

#linkinbio #ad #LEGOforgrownups #everyonelovesLEGO #holidaypicks
View
Open
LEGO at 15% off and FREE SHIPPING! 

Check out the AWESOME set that is PERFECT for teens, grandparents, and ANY grownup who likes to create! 

This bouquet will last forever!

๐ŸŒผ๐ŸŒท๐ŸŒบ๐Ÿ’

Use this link โ€”> zulily.gfpv.net/jWqkmn

#bestgiftsforkids #grandparentgifts #ad #LEGOforgrownups @zulily
View
Open
WHAT HAS ARRIVED FROM @zulily !?

Since Zulily carries such a vast array of items, it could be ANYthing: 

๐Ÿ’œ boutique-style clothes or shoes

๐Ÿค brand-name clothing & shoes

๐Ÿ’œ toys

๐Ÿค books or magazines 

๐Ÿ’œ pantry items, snacks, & treats

๐Ÿค haircare or cosmetics 

๐Ÿ’œ pet toys, treats, or accessories 

๐Ÿค personalized gifts

๐Ÿ’œ houseplants, seeds, or bulbs

๐Ÿค basics for kids through adults

๐Ÿ’œ craft supplies and kits

๐Ÿค furniture or home goods

๐Ÿ’œ designer handbags, sunglasses, or belts

๐Ÿค luxury items and gifts

๐Ÿ’œ sports equipment 

๐Ÿค sports gear for ALL fansโ€”NFL, MLB, NCAA, you name it

๐Ÿ’œ small appliances & kitchen items

๐Ÿค towels, sheets, blankets, linens

๐Ÿ’œ home storage & organization items

๐Ÿค coats, hats, scarves 

๐Ÿ’œ just about anything you can imagine!

Follow my stories for the deals and steals for families and educators, or check the Zulily Highlight!

Especially nowโ€”as we move into the exciting holiday seasonโ€”I will more frequently share items, and they will MOVE QUICKLY! 

So make sure you are checking in regularly, and pleaseโ€”if you are looking for specific items and a specific price point, let me know! 

I am happy to do some research to help you out!

๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’œ

#zulilypartner #linkinbio #ad #holiday #giftgiving bestgifts

Want to check it out for yourself? zulily.gfpv.net/teachmama
View
Open
๐ŸŸฆ๐ŸŸฅ๐ŸŸฉ๐ŸŸจ

THE best toy for kidsโ€”and classrooms!โ€”is on sale right now. 

The 101-piece PicassoTile Building Set (WITH CARRYING CASE!)
is only $34.99 on Zulily WITH an extra 15% off!

Stock upโ€”think: teachers, daycare providers, classrooms!
AND birthdays, holidays or rainy days!

This is a toy that I cannot recommend highly enoughโ€”perfect for littles through elemor middle school. 

From a tween I know and love: The *click* of the magnetic blocks is so satisfying, and honestly, theyโ€™re just really fun and relaxing to use. 

๐ŸŸฆ๐ŸŸช๐ŸŸง๐ŸŸฉ

hereโ€™s the link that will get you AN ADDITIONAL 15% off โ€”> zulily.gfpv.net/JrDdbE

And remember: FREE SHIPPING ON orders of $89+

#ad #linkinbio #besttoysforkids #dealoftheday

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