Close Read of Stray by Cynthia Rylant
The Reading Teacher came in to lead us in an argument discussion of this story. The debate would be: Doris should keep the dog VS Doris should not keep the dog (modeled for us during the January, 2013 TCRWP Reading Coach Institute). She paused after reading the first two paragraphs and asked the kids to jot down what they were thinking. Both her and I shared a think-aloud. Then a student hand was raised and waving and I called on this student.
"I have a comment. The line that reads "its ears tucked, its tail between its legs, shivering." I think the author is showing us that the dog is scared."
WOW! This child just made a HUGE transfer from what we were learning while writing realistic ficiton in Writing Workshop to now reading a story. "You are so right. Cynthia Rylant IS showing us and not just telling us how the dog feels by picking just the right words to SHOW it to us. Thanks for pointing that out, " I replied with a HUGE smile on my face.
Inside I cheered and thought to myself, "Yes, the transferring of skills IS happening in my classroom!!"
Something to celebrate…gives me hope because I'm not certain all my test prepping will have the same effect!
ReplyDeleteOh I hope that you did more than smile that would be a happy dance moment. When they went home. I would want to shout it from the roof tops!
ReplyDeleteWhoo-hoo!!! I love this! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOutstanding moment!!! I love Cynthia Rylant's stories. Is that a picture book, or one of her stories in EVERY LIVING THING? I guess I could go look it up:). Anyway, well done, Mrs. Donnelly! Do you know a place to read about posing argument questions? I haven't studied that much - I imagine some arguments are more worthwhile than others. Kind of like life.
ReplyDeleteTransference of skills is HUGE!
ReplyDeleteKudus to you and your student...