Summarize the key steps in planning and performing a Text Talk lesson.
In order to start a Text-Talk lesson, the first task to accomplish is to find a book that will challenge the student. The level of the book needs to be appropriate for the student, not too difficult, but also not too easy. Questions should be developed that will help students create the story in their head. As the story is read, make sure to read the pages and then show the pictures to the students. This makes method of reading makes sure that the words are being heard/comprehended, and the pictures themselves are not telling the story. Make sure to help the students figure out unfamiliar vocabulary. Make sure when asking a question to students, if they do not know the answer, instead of showing the pictures, go back and reread the page. Give them a chance to listen and respond. The questions that should be asked by teacher should allow for the student to give more than a one word response. The responses given by the students should be a sentence or more. This allows for the student to infer, repeat, or say what they want to say. Make sure that if the answer is “wrong” to acknowledge what the student has said and to guide them to the “correct” answer.
How many questions typically does a teacher ask at each break?
Two- three questions are typically asked per break. It is very important to make sure that the questions do not overwhelm the student and take away from the story. The questions should be rather quick and short.
What kind of questions does the teacher ask?
The questions that teachers ask should be generalized questions. By asking questions such as these, the students have a chance to interpret and explain easier what is going on. Guided questions tend to leave students searching for the right word and can occasionally make them more timid.
When do you show the pictures to children?
The pictures should not be shown to the students until after the page has been read. Make sure that if you are going to ask question, the pictures are shown after the questions have been asked. Pictures have a tendency to depict something else other than what the words are saying.
How is vocabulary in the story highlighted?
When dealing with vocabulary that is unfamiliar to the student, make sure that you, as a teacher, point out the word and guide the students through the definition of the word. Say the word and give an example. Have students give an example and ask other student’s questions about what the student just shared.
Emily, I like how you fully explained what type of questions should be asked during a read-aloud. It is important to know what type of questions can misguide a child through the story.
Emily, I liked your response to the text talk article. I really like how you broke the article down by answering common questions that would be asked. I thought your response were very detailed and well thought out.
~Kate
I have reread your post Emily and noticed that the steps are written out in your response.
Please disregard my comment about the key steps to doing a Text Talk. Please go back to the sentences I highlighted.
I enjoyed reading your response.
~Dr. Ari
[...] Emily Waterman [...]