103 Things to Do Before/During/After Reading

As I was perusing literacy blogs, I ran across this amazing article by Jim Burke. It was written in 1998 which seems like a long time ago however, the information and strategies that are included in this article are certainly as though they were written yesterday. As teachers, it is easy to get stuck in a rut of using the worksheets that are in the workbook of the curriculum. These alternatives to worksheets are fantastic. I am sure you will find yourself wondering, "why didn't I think of that?" Here are a few of the strategies that are mentioned to lure you to read the article. Trust me, it is worth your while.

• Mapmaker

Draw a map of the book's setting

• Fishbowl

Impromptu or scheduled, two to four students sit in middle of circle and talk about a text. The class makes observations about the conversation then rotate into the circle.

• Board Games

Have groups design a board game based upon the characters and the story. Then play the game.

http://www.reading rockets.org/article/82