Effective Peer Feedback

Here are some activities that can help teach students how to give feedback (Grade 6-8).

1. GOLDEN WORDS:
* Use Highlighters
* Students exchange their written work.
* Look for examples of effective language.
* Highlight the "golden" words or phases.
* Have students share their favourite golden word/phase.
* Discuss why they choose the word/phase.

2. GOSSIP:
* Divide the students into groups of three.
* Each student is given the opportunity to read their written work, while the other group members stop the reader to ask questions, and make positive or constructive comments.
* The student reading is also encouraged to respond with comments or questions.
* The student may take notes or make revisions.
*** This is an informal chat about ideas, characters, etc. and is NOT a formal critique.

Have fun writing and providing your students with meaningful ways to give feedback to their peers!

INSTRUCTOR Jan./Feb. 2008

Making Predictions

Here are some reading comprehension activities to encourage young readers to make and discuss predictions.

1. PREDICTION POP (Examining titles and illustrations)
- The teacher reads the title on the cover of a picture book.
- Students predict what the story might be about.
- The responses are written in balloon shapes.
- Review all the predictions.
- Read the story and pause to confirm, modify or reject predictions.
- If a prediction is wrong, "pop" the ballon (erase).
- After reading, the children decide which of the predictions on the board are correct.

2. THUMB-THROUGH PREVIEW (Scanning books) * Similar to a picture walk.
- Before reading, have the class walk through the book (pictures, clues, words).
- Make predictions about the story.
- Read the story.
- The children will make a "thumbs up" sign when you reach a correct prediction.

3. CURIOSITY CHART (text features)
- Examine a nonfiction text (subtitles, photographs, captions, charts, maps).
- Record the text features that are pointed out on chart paper.
- "Think-aloud" - make predictions about how the text features might provide information.
- Read the text.
- Check off each feature as you come to it.

(Mackie Rhodes INSTRUCTOR Jan./Feb. 2008)

Sowing the Seeds... Harvesting Readers Forum

When: Sat., Mar. 29th, 2008 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m

Where: Green of Renton
969 Concession 14
Simcoe, ON

Who: Early Learning Providers, Teachers and anyone interested in Early Literacy

Why: * Explore gaps in literacy.
* Help develop a strategic plan.
* Network.
* Hear the latest research.

How: Register by Feb. 29th, 2008
Call Karla Neil at 519-429-2875 or 1-866-463-2759
Fee: $10 (Lunch, snack and a drink included)

GoodMinds Materials

GoodMinds has a new collection of books on Character Education. In addition, they have some levelled books for children reading at the grade one level by Bebop Publisher.



Here are the Bebop titles levelled by Grade, Fountas & Pinnell's alphabet system and DRA numbers:

* Laundry Day by Karen Hjemboe (K, C, 3)
* At the Park by Judy Nayer (Gr. 1, D, 4)
* My Family by Karen Hjemboe (Gr. 1, D, 4)
* My Horse by Karen Hjemboe (Gr. 1, D, 4)
* I make Clay Pots by Leslie Johnson (Gr. 1, D, 4)
* Fancy Dance by Leslie Johnson (Gr.1, G, 12)
* Living in an Igloo by Jan Reynolds (Gr. 1, G, 12)
* I'm Heading to the Rodeo by Emmi S. herman (Gr.1, I, 16)

Check out www.goodminds.com