In reader's workshop, first grade thinkers have been learning how to make mental images of what is happening within a text. We have practiced noticing the pictures of fiction books, to make movies in our minds of how the stories will go. We have also been activating prior knowledge before reading informational text by identifying what we already know (or think we know) about the book subject. We have been discussing that sometimes the movies we make in our minds have to change once we read the text. Strong readers change their thinking based on what the words say! To help students identify how their thinking changes while reading, I had my class use the "I Used to Think...Now I Think" routine. I modeled how my thinking changed after reading an informational book about frogs, and recorded my thinking on a sticky note. As students read independently, they recorded how their thinking changed on their own sticky notes. During our share after Read-to-Self, students got to share their thinking with their reading partner, and then we shared out as a whole group.
I like using this routine during reading because it really makes students think about their thinking! As they read, they are tracking the adjustments they automatically make (or should be making). During the share, students were also very engaged and excited to share that their thinking changed. We have such great first grade thinkers! :)
I like using this routine during reading because it really makes students think about their thinking! As they read, they are tracking the adjustments they automatically make (or should be making). During the share, students were also very engaged and excited to share that their thinking changed. We have such great first grade thinkers! :)