Categories: 1st Grade | 2nd Grade | 3rd Grade | 4th Grade | 5th Grade | 6th Grade | 7th Grade | 8th Grade | ESL | History | Language Arts | Math | Reading & Writing | Science | Special Education
Estimated Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials Needed: Post-it® Super Sticky Notes 3 x 3, Neon 6 Pads (654-6SSAN), ANY POST-IT NOTES WILL DO!
Materials Needed:
- Post-it® Super Sticky Notes 3 x 3
- Neon 6 Pads (654-6SSAN)
- ANY POST-IT NOTES WILL DO!
Description:
This activity is used to help students with reading comprehension. It can be used in any subject area. Give each child three Post-it® Notes. Have the students draw a smiley face on one note, an exclamation point on another note, and a question mark on the third note. Students are given a section of reading — whether it be a story in Language Arts, or a section in the Science book — and use the Post-it Notes to “read closer.” The smile face Post-it Note is placed (by the student) on a part he/she found to be their favorite part or fun part or humorous part (depending on what type of text is being read). The exclamation point is placed (again, by the student) on a part that he/she found to be the most interesting or surprising. The question mark note is place (you got it…by the student!) on the section that he/she had a question about or did not necessarily understand. Following the reading, the whole class meets back together to discuss the reading — we make a list of everyone’s “posted responses.” This activity encourages students to read closely, forumlate questions, and find connections within a text. It is a great activity that I have used in first grade on up! The best part (to save on your ever-valuable Post-it Notes), you can save the 3 Post-it Notes from each student and use them again (because we all know the sticky part can last for repeated uses!). Also, students may get so involved in the activity that they will ask for more Post-it Notes!
Instructions:
Step 1: Introduce lesson/reading for the day. Students can read independently or with a partner. Give each student 3 Post-it Notes.
Step 2: On the first Post-it Notes, have the students draw a smiley face. On the second Post-it Notes, have the students draw an exclamation point. On the third Post-it Notes, have the students draw a question mark.
Step 3: Explain to students that they will need to be reading detectives today. As they read, they will use the three Post-it Notes to find certain areas in the text. Tell them to place the Post-it Notes in the following manner: Smiley Face: stick this Post-it Note on a part that you found funny or a part of the reading that was your favorite or maybe where you made a connection. Exclamation Point: stick this Post-it Note on a part of the reading that you found exciting or surprising. Question Mark: stick this Post-it Note on a part of the reading that left you confused or that you have a question about.
Step 4: The students complete the reading (independently or in pairs or as a whole group) and place the post-it notes accordingly. After reading, make a list of everyone's Smiley Face, Exclamation Point, and Question Mark. Discuss the reading as you go!
Afterwards:
Objective: TLW read a given text carefully, recognizing areas of writing where information is given. TLW read a text and make connections. TLW will read a given text and formulate questions.
Supporting All Learners: Every level of reader can use this activity! If need be, start with just one Post-it Note (the Smiley Face) and add on when the student is ready. If you need to, read the story to the student and have him/her place the Post-it Note while you read.
Assignment/Home Connection: The Post-it Notes can be sent home along with reading homework to help the student stay engaged in the reading.
