Grand Conversations

Objective: to provide a skillful strategy to students that helps focus on comprehending and thinking as one reads. Develops deeper understanding.

Procedure:

1. Hand out the think aloud cards to students and a reading passage such as an EBSCO article or the text or a novel.

2. The teacher reads aloud or a fluent reader from the class. As the reading takes place, the students are directed to use the cards as follows:

W – I Wonder card- use when you have a question about what is being read or “wonder” about the information.

N – I Notice card – use when you notice something interesting about the text or pictures, any connections or incongruencies.

P – Prior Knowledge card – use when you have any prior knowledge to share about the topic.

S – Spark card – use when someone else says something that makes you think of something else related to the text. Only can use during a discussion.

3. As each student uses a card, the card is turned over. All students must use their cards before starting over.

4. When all students have used their cards, turn them back to front and start the process over.