Mini-Lesson

Objective: Students will recall, question and respond to information.

1. As students follow along with their own copies of the timeforkids.com story, Good News for Gorillas, read a few paragraphs aloud, pausing to tell kids what you are discovering about the subject. For example, say things like, "This part is really important because it explains...."

2. On the board or on sticky notes that you can then attach to the page, jot down the story's most important ideas. This lets students in on the idea that the text may contain more than one important idea.

3. Draw a Fact-Question-Response (FQR) chart on the board. As you continue to read, add at least one fact, one question and one response on the chart. For instance, if there's a difficult word— or if the author refers to an unfamiliar place — ask a question about it. Demonstrate a personal response by writing a statement about how you feel.

4. Extend Learning: Have students create their own FQR charts. Use the Three-Column Chartas a template.

Adapted from the TIME For Kids supplement Using the News to Develop Readers and Writers.