Signposts are helpful strategies we use to dig deeper into our reading and allow for thoughtful discussion. The goal is to have students STOP, NOTICE, and NOTE when they encounter these signposts in books. Below is an explanation of each signpost.
We encourage you to use the language of the signposts when you talk about texts. The signposts can also be found in movies and television shows, so we hope that as you watch with your child, you will begin to have conversations around the signposts, too!
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.
Contrasts and Contradictions: The author presents something that contrasts with or contradicts what the reader is likely to know, think,or have experienced, or shows a difference between two or more situations, events, or perspectives.
Extreme or Absolute Language: The author uses language that leaves no doubt about a situation or event, the perhaps exaggerates or overstates a case.
Numbers and Stats: The author uses numbers or words that show amounts of statistical information to show comparison in order to prove a point or help create an image.
Quoted Words: The author quote others, directly, with what we are calling a Voice of Authority or Personal Perspective. The author might also list others in citations.
Word Gaps: The author uses words or phrases that students recognize they don’t know.