Independent Reading-- Inside the Box Instructions

My Reading / Text Elements / Word Skills / Taxonomy of Thinking
Reading Strategy / Reading Strategy / Reading Strategy / Reading Strategy

Materials:

11x17 paper 1/student

8 Labels /student

Introduce the 8 Box

1.  model folding the paper – use mathematical terminology of ‘lines of symmetry’, fractional parts of the whole etc.

2.  Model using a short picture book –(choose one with less text but rich meaning)

3.  Model 2-3 boxes in a session – students complete their box after the teacher has modeled it.

4.  Re-read the book and complete additional boxes on subsequent days.

NOTE: This is only a SUGGESTION of how it can be used. The design of this 8-box is an excellent tool to use for Differentiated Instruction while maintaining the appearance of all students doing the ‘same’ activity.

The top four boxes generally address the same topics.


box 1 - My reading
As an alternative to the suggestions provided in the teacher resource, students can make a new cover for the book. This necessitates the knowledge of 'what goes on the cover of a book' besides the obvious - title, author, illustrator...the new picture should contain the main character or tease the subject yet entice the reader to pick it up. This is a great opportunity to teach the media literacy of the cover of a picture book. In the beginning though, just get them to make a new cover.
box 2--Text elements

Fiction--title, setting character plot,

Non-Fiction-- glossary, index, text structure

Students use the prompts provided in the teacher resource to demonstrate their understanding and use of textual elements.
box #3--Word study

Review of concepts taught or discovering new words in context.

1.  Find 3 adjectives, write a synonym and draw a picture

2.  Choose 5 words (beginning with the same letter) and alphabetize...

3.  Heighten awareness of ‘overused’ words – How many words can you find to replace the word ‘said’?
box #4--Taxonomy Box
Use the many prompts to assess Blooms taxonomy of thinking; from knowledge understanding to higher order thinking like evaluation. Open-ended questions are ideal. Students must be clear and concise and support it with evidence in the space allowed.
Lower Four Boxes are for comprehension strategies such as;

·  Connecting

·  Inferring

·  Predicting

·  Determining importance

·  Questioning

·  Visualizing

Mix up the strategies in any arrangement. Use 2 of the 4 to review previously taught concepts, 1 for current teaching and 1 as a diagnostic of a strategy you have not done yet.