READER'S WORKSHOP MINI LESSONS

Reader's Workshop: Synthesizing

In first grade synthesizing is taught through two skill-sets.  First, students are taught how to retell.  To do this they learn how to identify details in the story for characters, setting, problems, and solutions.  They then use these details and weave them together as they retell the story sequentially.  The use of a story element puzzle is a critical part of this process and proves to be an important tool when first learning how to retell.  Secondly, students are taught that when reading, readers not only add to their background knowledge (schema), but also change it.  They fix misconceptions when reading. 

As you read through the minilessons you'll notice that there aren't many book-specific lessons.  Instead, I try to focus on getting the main bones/structure of the Synthesizing process down, and then the knowledge we have about Synthesizing can be applied to any book we are reading independently, in partnerships, or in small groups throughout the year.

• Reading Strategies Scope and Sequence: 

• Reading Strategies Posters: 

• Synthesizing Unit: