Students need to constantly build schema, or background knowledge, that will help them connect to new topics and ideas about the world. Reading nonfiction is one of the best ways to help students do this. It is important to note however, that informational texts can often be one of the most difficult genres for students to comprehend. Because of this young readers need to spend a lot of time processing informational texts. One way to immerse students in nonfiction texts is to invite them to participate in information circles.

An information circle is an instructional tool, much like book clubs or literature circles.

To set one up in your own classroom, first choose 4 to 5 informational texts related to a central topic or idea. You will want to pick texts that peak students' interests. Give your class a brief introduction of each text and then have students vote for their top two choices to read. The next day, put students into groups of 3 to 5 and reveal to the class who is in each informational text circle. Have students meet to discuss background knowledge and formulate questions to answer before reading.

Our favorite tools to utilize in this situation is the RAN chart. RAN stands for "read and analyze nonfiction." Click here to download the RAN chart. We suggest putting each heading on a sheet of 8-1/2" x 11" paper and having students write on sticky notes. The goal of the study is to "confirm" what you think you know by finding textual evidence. Students will also identify misconceptions in their background knowledge. At the end of the informational circle, students get together to discuss what was confirmed, the misconceptions they had, new information learned, and the questions they answered.

Each week students join a new informational circle. This will provide students with opportunities to read a variety of informational texts, actively participate in discussions about reading, and use metacognitive strategies on their own.

Teaching Tip: Each week have a different theme of informational texts. i.e.

Week 1: Animals

Week 2: Biographies of Famous Athletes

Week 3: Famous Places

Week 4: Current Events

One of my favorite classroom questions is asking students to spell love, and then eliciting "T- I- M- E." I love this idea that we express our love and caring for one another by spending time together. I think this is so true, even at school. Struggling students often don't feel connected while at school. Once a student thinks they aren't liked or don't belong, it becomes difficult for them to engage in productive group activities and accept feedback meant to move them forward.

One way to validate students and help them to feel more connected in the classroom is to follow the 2 & 10 rule. The 2 & 10 rule is simple. Spend 2 minutes for 10 consecutive days chatting with students about things other than school. (i.e. their interests, family, hobbies, etc.)

Showing you students that you care about them will help to build a vital and productive relationship. This is also an excellent opportunity to model how relationships are formed and how they should work. In addition, you can use your 2 minutes to gather data that you can use to create relevant math situations, to help students connect learning to their own lives, and to discover texts that students are interested in reading. Two short minutes can do so much to help your students feel connected to the community and to learning.

How can we get all our students to share their thinking? When setting up for pair shares, students should always know ahead of time who their share partner will be. They should have a title or designation to help them know who will talk and who will listen. Each time students are going to pair share, direct specific students to start the conversation. For example, say "Partner A: explain why you think the character..." Give students a short amount of time to explain and then say something like "Partner B: Do you agree or disagree with A? Is there evidence in the text to support your thinking?"

Intentional pair shares are a great way to help teachers remember who has talked and who needs to talk. Our goal should be for ALL students to share their thinking and listen to their partner's ideas. Whoever does the talking, does the learning!

Saturday, March 30, 2019 / 9am to 12pm

Virtual Seminar (3 Hour)

k-4

Phonics and fluency go hand in hand because they are both essential components of a proficient reader. Join Kelly Harmon this Spring and boost your knowledge of phonemic awareness and reading fluency. Explore engaging activities that will get your students using common spelling patterns to create words, and reading fluently in no time! For more info click here!

June 24 & 25, 2019

Two Day Event

San Antonio, TX

K-6

Want to create a balanced literacy classroom from the start? Join Kelly Harmon & Randi Anderson in San Antonio for a two-day event focused on creating balanced literacy instruction for grades K-8. Explore class routines, schedules, homework, genre mapping, and much more! This seminar will give you an overview of an entire year of intentional planning for engaging instruction. We will dive deep into information on comprehension strategies, literature circles, guided reading, writer's workshops, achieving fluency, word work activities, and assessment ideas. Seats are limited, register today!

We provide virtual & onsite seminars for districts. Our trainings can be customized to meet the specific needs of your students and staff. Contact our us for more information on the trainings and rates! (817) 583-1290.