Setting the Purpose
Setting the purpose for reading helps keep students focused and engaged while reading, and gives them a mission so that comprehension can be reinforced
Setting the purpose for reading has an effect size of .57!
Overview
Setting the purpose for reading is an example of explicit instruction. The focus for annotating is clearly explained and the skills are clearly modeled. The students are crystal clear on what they are to learn and do.
Procedure
Before instruction:
You as the teacher should identify the skills you are planning to explicitly teach or assess your students (your SWBAT skills) and create the parameters for what you want your students to do to show mastery of the skill. What will they be assessed on? How will they know if they’ve been successful? Both you AND your students should know this prior.
*Only choose a few skills at a time*
First Read
Students should not necessarily annotate on the first read of a text. They should read for understanding and comprehension. To know what the FULL text says.
Second Read
Before beginning the second read the students should write “Purpose for Annotating” at the beginning of their text. Below this, they should write down the skills they should be looking for as they read.
If it is a new skill, model for them what it looks like with a small portion of the text (I do). Once you feel your expectations are clear, move into a we do or a you do where they now have to demonstrate they understand the purpose for annotating.
Monitor students as they work to correct any misconceptions or ask questions to have them elaborate on their thinking through marginal notes.
(Source: Ms. Rose)