Dr. Ari completed his 1st text talk lesson
with our class using the book:
BEWARE OF THE BEARS
The text talk lesson that Dr. Ari completed with out class was very insightful. It taught me a lot of techniques about reading to my class and making sure that they are comprehending the book. Not only, will these techniques make sure that my students know what is going on but it also allows “teaching time.” One of the things that I really took from this experience was the way that Dr. Ari introduced the new vocabulary from the book. He made note of words that students would not know and used supporting texts to help us all figure out what each new word meant. He also kept us focused by reading each page and then showing the pictures. This idea was something that I didn’t practice. In my experience, I have always held the book up and showed the pictures while I read but I doing this I allow my students to zone out and I don’t give their minds anything to think about. Waiting to show the pictures lets your students use the language of the book to imagine what is going on. They get to create their own illustrations before you show them the actual picture. Another great point that I learned was asking “good” questions throughout the book to keep children’s minds going on what is going on and not on what they want for lunch! Dr. Ari asked many questions throughout the story but we never seemed to get off or track and that is because they were direct questions that went along with each page. Sometimes you don’t even have to ask questions just do something to keep the students thinking and focused. You do not need to ask questions about every page but keep it regular so your children can keep their mind going on what is actually happening in the book.
I really enjoyed the experience of this Text Talk Lesson. I feel that I have gained a lot of valuable information that will help me as a teacher. I am really excited about this new technique that I have learned because it is easy but it makes a HUGE difference.
I totally agree with you on using the text talk. I also would read as I showed children the pictures and I’ve seen numerous teachers that do that in the classrooms. The suggestions Ari gave us on how to get the students to tell us what was happening before showing them the pictures makes so much sense now.
I agree with showing the pictures after you read instead of while you read. I am like Chase I have showed the pictures as I read and now that I realize it, it does take away from the story. Not showing the picture while you read does improve their imaginations.
I think that some of the text talk comes naturally when sharing books with children, but it helps to know the why and when of it all.
Megan, I completely agree that it is important to ask “good” questions throughout the book to keep children engaged in the story.