reading

BOOK HEAD HEART relates to the emotional response, the making of personal connections that can change a person and give reading a purpose, inspiring a desire to read more.


In English we will work on specific strategies to inspire:

  • responsive readers who are aware of their own emotions and reactions while reading

  • responsible readers who think about what the text means for others, society, and themselves,

  • compassionate readers who, through reading, develop empathy that helps them understand others


Elements of a Story

I. Conflict: the main problem in a story; there can be more than one conflict in a story

Four types of conflict:

Character vs. self

Character vs. society

Character vs. character

Character vs. nature


III. Story Mapping

Setting

Character

Inciting force

Rising action

Climax

Falling action

Resolution


II. Theme

The theme in a story is its underlying message, or 'big idea.' In other words, what critical belief about life is the author trying to convey in the writing of a novel, play, short story or poem? This belief, or idea, transcends cultural barriers. It is usually universal in nature.


III. Tone and Mood

The mood is the atmosphere of the story, and thetone is the author's attitude towards the topic. We can identify both by looking at the setting, characters, details, and word choices. By doing so, it will help us find meaning in the story or passage and help us feel more connected to the writing.


SIGNPOSTS

Contrasts and Contradictions – When the character does something different from what you would expect, ask yourself why the character is doing that.

Words of the Wiser – When an older or wiser character gives the main character advice, ask yourself what the lesson might be or how it will affect the character’s life.

Aha! Moment – When a character suddenly figures something out or understands something, ask yourself how that moment might change things.

Again and Again – When something is repeated in a book, ask yourself why the author thought it was important enough to repeat.

Memory Moment – When the action is interrupted and the author tells you about a memory, ask yourself why the memory might be important.

Tough Questions – When the character asks themselves a tough question, think about what the tough questions makes you wonder.

AGAIN AND AGAIN

MEMORY MOMENT

AHA MOMENT

CLICK ON EACH VIDEO TO LEARN MORE ABOUT EACH SIGNPOST

WORDS OF THE WISER

TOUGH QUESTIONS

CONTRASTS AND CONTRADICTIONS