Self-Monitoring

In language we are beginning to learn about a new reading strategy called "Self-Monitoring" This simply means asking ourselves if we are understanding as we read, and if not, using strategies to correct ourselves so that we can understand. Today we developed an anchor chart, but here is a slideshow we will be going over in class to assist us in understanding what self-monitoring means:

Self Monitoring

As we go through this unit, we will be reading some excerpts from our religion text and Bibles, as well as continuing to read from our read aloud "Where the Red Fern Grows". One important skill related to self-monitoring is the ability to ask "thick" and "thin" questions. "Thick" questions are those that require some thinking about, or those for which there isn't really any answer in the text. "Thin" questions are those that are easily found by reading the text - for example, Who is the main character?

If you are reading at home with your child, encourage him/her to ask thick questions as they are reading and discuss those questions. Try to encourage your child to answer using specific examples directly from the text. Usually, when students are able to express their ideas orally, they are soon ready to write out those answers on paper.