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Stop and Jot Comprehension Protocol
To use this Stop and Jot strategy, your child should pause during reading, to jot down a brief summary, a key idea, a question, or a reaction on the page or post-it note provided. They then return to the reading, and later, they will have an opportunity to share their responses and thoughts. This strategy helps children process information, engage with the material, and remember it for longer.
Stop and Jot Comprehension Protocol
How to Use “Stop and Jot” with Your Child
How to Use “Stop and Jot” with Your Child
1. Choose a Stopping Point
After 1–2 paragraphs, pause the reading or listening. This gives your child a chance to think and respond.
2. Create a “Stop Box” (or use a sticky note)
Have your child draw a small rectangle on the page or place a sticky note. This is their special spot for quick notes.
3. Jot It Down
In the box, your child can write:
A short summary of what they just learned
An answer to a question you asked
A key idea, concept, or event from the story
A question they now have
A reaction or thought about what they just read
4. Share and Talk
After finishing the reading, ask your child to use their notes to share ideas and summarize what they learned.
Extension Ideas
Extension Ideas
Make it a game: Set a timer for 1 minute and see how many important words or ideas your child can write before time runs out.
Add drawing: Try “Stop, Sketch, and Jot”—your child can draw a quick picture and label it with their ideas.
Reading Time Conversation Prompts
Whether you're reading a silly story or an exciting fact book, asking the right questions can make reading time more magical and help your child think deeply about what they’re learning. Use these prompts below to explore books together!
Fiction: Questions for Stories & Imagination
Fiction: Questions for Stories & Imagination
Use these prompts for picture books, chapter books, or bedtime stories
Use these prompts for picture books, chapter books, or bedtime stories
What do you think will happen next?
(Encourages prediction and attention to plot)
(Encourages prediction and attention to plot)
How is the character feeling right now? What makes you think that?
(Builds empathy and inference skills)
What would YOU do if you were in this part of the story?
(Promotes personal connection to the story)
Why did the character make that choice? Was it a good one?
(Encourages critical thinking and understanding motives)
What’s the problem in the story, and how is it being solved?
(Builds understanding of story structure)Can you retell what just happened in your own words?
(Reinforces comprehension and paraphrasing skills)
Nonfiction: Questions for Informational Texts
Nonfiction: Questions for Informational Texts
Try these prompts while learning about animals, history, science, or real people
Try these prompts while learning about animals, history, science, or real people
What is the main idea of what we just read?
(Helps identify key points)
Did you learn anything new or surprising?
(Promotes curiosity and reflection)
Why do you think this information is important?
(Encourages deeper understanding and relevance)
Can you explain this part to me like you're the teacher?
(Reinforces comprehension and vocabulary use through summarizing)
How does this connect to something you already know?
(Builds connections with background knowledge)
Parent Tip 💡
Parent Tip 💡
There’s no “right” way to enjoy a book with your child! These questions are all about helping your child think, wonder, and express themselves. Keep it light, fun, and follow their lead.
There’s no “right” way to enjoy a book with your child! These questions are all about helping your child think, wonder, and express themselves. Keep it light, fun, and follow their lead.
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