Stop and Jot

Last week, we discovered that the most powerful tool for a reader can be a partner. This week, we are working in stopping and jotting during our reading so that partners are able to have meaningful discussion. As second grade readers, we need to be able to discuss not just what the text said, but what we are THINKING and why. Stopping and jotting is a wonderful tool for our readers to be ready with some great thoughts for discussion with their partner. We are going through lots of sticky notes! 🙂

We've learned that our hits need to be "deep", not just restating what the text says. An example of a deep joy would be "I think the author was trying to tell us that the girls were special when the text said 'the girls were shiny'. I think this because it reminded me of a shiny new car and how it stands out and is special to have." 

Another example is "I think maybe the little girl might be really appreciative and grateful to be on the soccer field because the text said she thought it looked like a sea of grass with real goals and not like the alley with two smooshed garbage cans for a goal."

When readers are thinking this deeply, they can REALLY make meaning of the story and discuss it with their partner. 

Adrian and Arushi are busting discussing their jots once they reach their stopping point. 

Andrey is busy jotting his thinking about the text he and his partner are reading.