In Reader's Workshop, we are discussing "connections."
-What does it mean to make a connection?
-How are connections made in the world around us?
-How does this relate to me as a reader?
We used dot-to-dots to introduce "connections." The kids LOVED it! We discussed how the lines from one dot to another make connections to help us see and understand what the picture is. The same thing happens when we read a story. We find pictures, phrases, or clues within a story that remind us of something that has happen to us, a place where we have been, another story we have read, or even things within the world around us. Wow! We make connections more than we think!
In addition, we played the game Connect 4. We tried to make our game pieces fall just right to make a connection of 4 in a row. Also, we used different physical things to illustrate a connection. We explored velcro, Legos, magnets, puzzle pieces, and much more. We loved making these items connect.
How does this apply to me as a reader? The game board and these physical items are like our brains. The items are the new information that we are learning. Each time we add another piece of information to our schema, we find "connections" that helps us understand. We really enjoyed the visuals that help us understand connections.
