Getting stuck in a good book is a good thing. (As opposed to getting stuck in the mud or in a downpour or whatever.) In fact, while my kids are reading, I want them to be so in the book that only a major interruption could pull them out. (-Like perhaps a tow truck or a major weather disturbance.)
One way to get stuck in a good book is to stick your ideas and questions in the book as you read! Good readers think while they read, and a package of sticky-notes can help kids learn that important skill.
1. Grab some sticky-notes in any shape or size that works for you.
2. Start reading your book and think as you read. Record their ideas on sticky-notes as you go. Attach each note next to the section in the book that prompted the thought. Here are some ideas to note…
- Questions about the reading
- Questions about word meanings
- Comments about characters, setting or plot
- Pictures (Draw what you’re picturing in your mind as you read.)
- Connections (What other book, person or experience does this remind you of?)
3. When you’re finished, take a look back through your notes. What do you notice? What kinds of things do you pay attention to? What details were particularly important to you? What did you wonder about and learn? This is a great way to solidify the reading in your mind.
Also try this while listening to books read aloud. Listeners just jot thoughts down on the stickies as they listen.
Obviously this is not something to do EVERY time you read, but it’s a great activity to try when you need a little extra motivation to get into a text and make the information from the reading really stick. It’s a fun and concrete way to help kids learn to actively think while they read.
If you want more ideas for sticky-note literacy, check out these resources: