How To Invite Conversation

This morning's discussion began by looking at Chapters 24-26 in Comp and Flu, which focus on Guided Reading. One part of the discussion that was particularly helpful centered on comprehension conversations. As teachers, we want to facilitate conversation as opposed to relying strictly on a question and answer format. Talking about the text will allow children to demonstrate their own thinking and develop deeper understanding of the text. The teacher is able to make valuable observations, and group mates benefit from hearing others' ideas. There are many areas of Comp and Flu that address "text talk". You'll find a listing in the index. Chapter 19 (particularly p. 287-288) is also helpful. Although these pages refer to different areas of balanced literacy, the concepts can be similarly applied to other components.