BML Day 2

In Day 2 of Benchmark Literacy (BML) we continue with our focus on:
*  Main Idea and Supporting Details
* asking questions

We begin our lesson by stating our goals. What are we learning about? (see "focus skill")

 We are reading an article called "Rainforest Medicine". We started where all successful readers begin, by asking questions. As we read, we added more questions and answered questions. After we finished reading, we asked more questions. We ask questions before, during, and after we read.

questions developed with Mr. G's class

The class looked like it needed a little "perk-up", so Ms. Leom asked if they had packed along their "imagination" and "responsible reacting selves" in their brains today. Soon she "texted" (we didn't see her do it, because she was "out the door in a flash" and in walked two of her "friends").

 Queenie arrived dressed in pink and with a microphone. She loves questions so much, she appointed herself the Queen of Questions. She talks a little fast, but there are just so many questions to ask, and so little time! Successful readers ask questions.

Queenie had all her questions asked, so she "texted" (again, never saw a thing!) and her "bff", Clara arrived. Clara speaks with a southern accent, and she wants to "clear up" (clarify) when she doesn't understand something. She often recommends, "Reread. Reread. Reread." She uses a dictionary, a highlighter, and a magnifying glass to pay close attention to what she reads. Clara Clarifier is the part of our brain we need to use when we are reading or listening, and the words sound like the adults talking in a Charlie Brown cartoon, "Wah-wah-wah-wah", and we don't know what it means. We need to clarify so the words have meaning.

Both Queenie and Clara are BEST friends, because their strategies work together to help successful readers. It is important to ask questions, and you need to take the time to clarify what you are reading.

"Queenie" (the self appointed Queen of Questions)

"Clara" (Clara Clarifier)

After our guests left, it was time for us to reread the article and look at the main idea and supporting details.

We looked at the main idea and supporting detail for each paragraph (bottom of the poster), then used these notes to develop the main idea and supporting details for the entire article. It can take time to do the steps for such a short article! We talked about why we practice repeatedly in class ... like a musician or athlete practices drills and specific skills to prepare for a recital or game, we practice specific skills in class so our brains can make quicker and more efficient connections when we are reading.

Finally, we talked about why we learn Main Idea and Supporting Details ... it is important, because it helps us understand what we read. We are fourth graders. In Kindergarten through third grade, we often learn to read. In fourth grade, we read to learn. We need to have more efficient and developed strategies to be successful!