Language

The following are sample questions you can ask your child before, during or after reading a text:

• • Predict what might happen based on the title, author and/or pictures.

  • Why did you choose this text?

  • Give an opinion. Explain why you think what you’re thinking.

  • Describe how the text is different or similar to other books you’ve read.

  • Create a visual that the text creates in your mind. What parts in the text made you think of it?

  • Why might the author have written the text? Who is their main target audience?

  • Share a favourite quote, sentence or part of the text. Tell why it is your favourite.

  • List, describe or sketch what you learned from reading the text. How does it fit with what you already knew?

  • Tell what made the text easy or difficult to read or understand. Provide at least one example.

  • Explain how you dealt with unusual, difficult or new vocabulary. What strategies did you use to help you understand?

  • Tell what you’d ask or say to the author.

  • Describe what you would say to encourage a friend to read the text.

  • What questions were you left with about the text?

  • If you had to choose the most important point or idea in the text what would it be? Why?

  • What was the problem in the text? How was it solved?

  • Do you agree with what the character did? Why?

  • What is the main character like? What clues from the text make you think this?

  • Retell the text. Be sure to include the important ideas and facts if your text is non-fiction, or the characters, setting and events if your text is fiction.

  • What was the most important idea or message? Why do you think this?

  • Explain what strategies you used to help you understand what you read (e.g. re-read parts, looked at the pictures, thought about my own experiences, asked questions, confirmed predictions, etc.).

Reading for Meaning

When I read I will:

Before I read:

• Activate prior knowledge and experiences by making meaningful predictions (I think this text is about…) and connections to the topic or story (What do I know about…?)

• Brainstorm and categorize ideas on the topic

• Preview the text

During reading:

• Make personal connections that extend my understanding

• Visualize

• Monitor understanding and identify confusing parts (do I need to re-read?)

• Recall information

• Analyze text features

• Use picture or context clues to infer the meaning of new words or determine what’s happening

After I read:

• Reflect on or respond to the text to deepen understanding

• Make connections to other texts, the world, or my own experiences

• Ask questions

• Summarize or retell

• Evaluate the text (Do I like it? Do I agree with the author’s point of view?)

• Make recommendations or discuss the text

Success Criteria: Paragraph Writing Checklist

• I have completed a graphic organizer (e.g. dot jots or web) to brainstorm ideas for my topic

• I have indented the first line in my introductory sentence

• I have enough interesting supporting details about my topic

• I have sentences that flow together (transition words) and are various lengths

• I have a concluding sentence that ties my writing together

• I have proof-read my writing to make sure I've communicated clearly