Write Around for ReadingThis strategy can be found in the Characters Unit of Study. A “Write Around” is a strategy to engage
We participated in one as a pre-reading activity. A photo or image was put in the center of a piece of chart paper. Groups of four are ideal but we had a few more. Everyone uses a different color marker and takes turns responding to the image. You can write what you think about the photo, your questions, your inferences or theories. Groups members are to start new ideas or respond to yours already written there.
She encouraged us to respond to what other people wrote by elaborating on their writing and taking turns as well. Zoom in on one portion of the photograph and write about it. What are you now noticing about just this part? Move around the table or rotate the chart Read what another reader has written and respond.
You could begin:
I agree with...
I disagree with..
One question I have is...
What have you learned in other parts of your life that you can relate to this?
What’s an idea you are now having?
|The Babe and I|
The "Write Around" strategy is a great pre-reading activity but it can also be used as a debate format about a controversial issue. Sharing their ideas and building on others' ideas. Or you can use it as an end of unit activity for a read aloud or content area. Students take turns write and responding to each other about what they learned or how their thinking has changed at the beginning of the unit or read aloud. Can you see using "Write Around" easily in your classroom?
Cross posted on LIVE from the Creek