Determining Importance

We are beginning to focus more on reading nonfiction and the strategies we will use for reading nonfiction books. We are focusing on the comprehension strategy of Determining Importance.

In fiction
Many students are choosing to read chapter books for independent reading. In class, we have practiced how to keep track of the events of the book and other story elements. Determining the most important event/s can still a challenge. After reading each chapter, students write or draw a picture of 1-2 important events. Students also keep track of the characters, the setting, the main character’s conflict, and the resolution. Each day before reading, students review their notes. As you are reading with your child at home and monitoring their homework, ask them how they are keeping track of the events of the book or what they predict will happen next.

In nonfiction
During our weekly LMC times this month students are reading nonfiction books. Reading nonfiction requires readers to think differently about the text. Readers need to determine the big ideas and figure out the most important facts from the interesting ones. Some students may track the important facts using post it notes to record their ideas. Others may use a 3-column chart or FQR to record Facts, Questions, and Responses. In class we will discuss getting too caught up in the wondering and questioning of nonfiction and the need to refocus on the text, and where a reader’s background knowledge fits in the process. We will also discuss and practice determining the difference between fact and opinion.