‘Save The last Word...For Me’

An Educational Active Comprehension and Discussion Teaching Strategy

Matthew Turnbull

Rationale

“Save the Last Word for Me” is a discussion strategy that requires all students to participate as active speakers and listeners.

It’s clearly defined structure helps shy students share their ideas

This strategy encourages readers to take an active stance during reading.

Save the Last Word for Me allows readers the opportunity to construct their own interpretations and to compare them with other readers.

Resources

•Txt (book, video, images)

•Pencils

•Paper (or Card Split up) EXAMPLE

Side 1 p. 30

I watched tears fill his eyes and cleaved my hand to his until they wrenched us apart.

Side 2

I think Say must have felt very sad watching Pink being pulled away from him.

Procedure

The strategy has 7 parts:

Preparation Reading the text Writing important parts Personal reflection Small group discussion Ordering the cards Reading and reacting to the cards

Procedure

Step 1: A teacher prepares Resources for the Daily activity (Text, Cards etc.)

Step 2: Each student reads the text individually.

Step 3 : On side one of an index card or slip of paper, the readers write words, phrases, or sentences that stand out as important. They should also record the page number the quote appears on.

Step 4: On the other side of the card or slip of paper, the students write out what they want to say about the quote.

 

Procedure

Step 5: Students may record two or three quotes and reflections on separate index cards.

 Step 6: Before the group discussion, students put their own cards in an order for discussion- most important to least important.

Step 7: Students gather in small groups to share their cards.

Step 8: Students read the first quote on their cards to the group. As each student reads his/her quote, the other students respond to what was read. The student who read the quote then has the last word about why the quote was chosen.

 Step 9: Students follow in turn, each reading their most important quote first. Then moving

on to the next quote, etc.     

Theorists

Vykostky Social Development Theory - They stress the fundamental role of social interaction in

the development of cognition Vygotsky, 1978), as he believed strongly that community plays a central role in the process of "making meaning." Vygotsky’s theory promotes learning contexts in which students play an active role in learning.

 

      

Advantages

Whole Class: Year 4-6

 

Assists students in focusing and engaging in reading as they know they will have to share with other group members.

Assists students in selecting main points.

Provides interchange of information and opinions.

Furnishes a small arena of discussion where students can confidently share their Opinions.

      

ESL: year 4-6

Opportunity to others viewpoints

Gives there their own point across

Allows an open mind for other students in an open forum

Promotes their social Development.

ESL students learning in this instructional technique, well be scaffolded by the teacher.

      

Limitations

Limitations can range from not enough resources; students may find it hard to work in a group. It also one give the class an opportunity to

explore one text at a time.

Variations

Using videos or films, images, or charts

Using questions: Whole group sharing:

•Students will have far more time listening than speaking, but in some cases whole groups can shed an enormous amount of light on a quote.

Ask students to think about three “probing” questions the text raises for them. 

•Students answer the question on the back of their card. In small groups, students select one of their questions for the other two students to discuss.

ALSO CAN VARIATE THROUGH CROSS-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES – SOSE / SCIENCE

Curriculum links

ACELT 1602 ACELY 1686 ACELY 1692