Using text sets in the classroom can significantly enhance student interest, vocabulary, and background knowledge. Text sets are collections of related texts organized around a specific topic or line of inquiry. Here’s how to effectively implement them in your teaching strategy: 1. Anchor Text Begin with a rich, complex grade-level text as the anchor. This […]
Schema
Activate Prior Learning with a RAN Chart
What is a RAN chart? For me, the RAN chart is the answer to “But the KWL chart doesn’t work in my class!” RAN stands for Reading and Analyzing Nonfiction (credit: Tony Stead). I have always struggled with the KWL chart for a few reasons. I like the concept, but when I asked the students […]
Critical Analysis of a Poem in Middle School
Most middle school students are not thrilled to learn that they will be analyzing one poem over three days.
Activate Schema and Engage Students with an Anticipation Reaction Guide
Why? While activating background knowledge might not be one of the “Super 6” comprehension strategies, I would argue that this is where every reader should start. As a reader, when I pick up a new text, I question what it is going to be about and what I already know about the subject. Sometimes, I might […]
Readers’ Workshop: Activate Schema with Movie Clips
** Contact me if you would like Rogers Education Consulting to come to your campus with engaging, evidence-based, and practical professional development ** Over the past five years or so, there has been a big emphasis on using media in the classroom. If you scour Pinterest for ideas on making inferences, you will find tons of pictures […]
Teaching Poetry and Reading Strategies: A Poison Tree, by William Blake
** Contact us if you would like Rogers Education Consulting to come to your campus with engaging, evidence-based, and practical professional development ** I’ll admit it, I have a dark side. Those who know me say it’s deeply hidden behind nervous giggles and an approachable demeanor, but I’m drawn to dark literature. “A Poison Tree,” by William […]
Teaching Poetry and Reading Strategies: Harlem, by Langston Hughes
** Contact us if you would like Rogers Education Consulting to bring an engaging, hands-on poetry session to your campus ** I have three poems that I absolutely love introducing to students. One of those poems is Harlem by Langston Hughes. I love it because it is fun to read out loud and the students […]
Success with Explicit Instruction
** Contact us if you would like Rogers Education Consulting to come to your campus with engaging, evidence-based, and practical professional development ** So many times in education we, as teachers, are bombarded with buzz words. These words will eventually become white noise, words you expect to hear in an academic setting, but you no longer […]