Nonfiction Comprehension Strategies

Using INQUIRY CIRCLES

LIS 725 Curriculum and School LibrariesBy Bridget Farrell and Patty Prodanich

April 16, 2012

Have you ever experienced this?

Active Participation?

Why teach nonfiction comprehension strategies?

New Common Core Standards

75% of what is read in school should be

Informational Text

Challenging nonfiction text

What is Informational Text?

● Type of nonfiction● Differs from other types of nonfiction in

purpose, features, and format○ Purpose is to convey information about the natural

or social world○ Characteristic features

■ ie: addressing whole classes of things in a timeless way

○ Many different formats ■ ie: books, magazines, handouts, brochures, CD-

ROMs, and the InternetReading & writing Informational Text in the Primary Grades p. 16-19

Teaching in the 21st Century

So...Why Inquiry Circles?

KWLInquiry Circles

What do we know? What do we want to know?

So... Why Inquiry Circles?

Higher student achievement, better social skills,

stronger work habits, and persistence

(Darling-Hammond et al. 2008,) p.7

What are the Core Principles of Inquiry Circles?

● Student choice of topics● Dig deep● Flexible grouping (heterogeneous)● Responsibility and leadership skills● Reader/thinker/researcher strategies● Multiple sources in various formats● Synthesize ideas to build knowledge● Actively use acquired knowledge- share,

publish, produce, and act● "Backmapping" to standards

(p.13)

How do we build successful inquiry groups?● Small groups (3-4 students)● Teach students how to be accountable group

members● Students produce some kind written

evidence that work has been done● Clear standards/rubric for a successful

product● Teacher observation● Individual meetings to get feedback

What are the stages of inquiry? ● Immerse ● Investigate ● Coalesce ● Go Public

What makes a good inquiry topic?● Student interest● Rich and complex● Different subtopics● Requires interpretation and analysis● May include a value, social, or moral

dimension● Actions can be taken● Multiple outcomes● Leads to more questions

What are some nonfiction comprehension strategies?

● Activate and build prior knowledge● Listen to your inner voice● Think and wonder about images● Using text and visual features● Annotate text: Leave tracks of thinking● Ask questions and wonder about information● Stop, Think, and React

Mini-Inquiry Sample

What does this clip make you wonder? The Biggest Brain

Inquiring Minds...

I wonder... I think... I feel...

Optical Illusions

Bill Nye the Science Guy

Annotate Text: Leave Tracks of Thinking

1. Initiate 2. Teach/ Model 3. Guided Practice 4. Collaborative Practice

What are the big questions?

Final Steps

● Form students into groups by interest and ...flood them with information! ● Co-create rubrics● Groups decide final products● Presentations/Go Public

So...Why Inquiry?

Every effort must be made in childhood to teach the young to use their own minds. For one thing is for certain. If they don't make up their own minds, someone will do it for them.

-Eleanor Roosevelt