During Reading Strategies

Guided Reading Questions

As we read together, I use guided reading questions to help students focus on key ideas and think more deeply about the text. I go over these questions with the whole group during our reading, pausing to discuss and encourage students to share their thoughts. This helps them process what we’re reading in real time and connects their ideas to the story’s themes or characters. It’s a great way to keep everyone engaged and ensure they’re actively thinking about the text as we go.

Simulation Learning

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When we read Sorry, Wrong Number in my class, I was inspired by the idea of mock trials to create a detective simulation where students worked together to investigate who was responsible for Mrs. Stevenson’s murder. I started by dividing students into small groups, then they used the text to gather clues and piece together motives and alibis. Students combed through the dialogue and stage directions to identify evidence, practicing close reading and analytical thinking. Each group presented their findings and theories, defending their conclusions with textual evidence. This simulation not only brought the play to life but also encouraged students to engage deeply with the text, critically analyze character motivations, and collaborate with group members.

Literature Circles

In my 6th grade classroom, I plan to use literature circles to foster twenty-first century skills , such as collaboration, communication, and critical thinking (Robb 2017, p. 19) among students. Literature circles employ already discussed ideas, such as allowing students to choose books that match their interests, which increases motivation and and comprehension. Each group will work together to set a reading schedule and discuss the text, using guiding questions or their journals to record their understanding. I will support students at the whole-group level through mini-lessons with explicit instruction on how to participate (Daniels 2006, p. 13), ensuring that every student feels empowered and prepared. I think that literature circles will contribute to growing my classroom community, as students learn to thoughtfully connect with their peers through standards-based literacy discussion.