The following discussion cards can be printed, laminated, and used during:
• Literature circles
• Book clubs
• Guided reading discussions
• As a writing prompt for responding to reading. This could be done individually and then students could read their written responses in a small group.
• Partner reading
• Share time at the end of independent reading
Students can use these open-ended questions over-and-ever again. They can make up the rest of the question based on characters, events, and settings in the book they are currently discussing. Because the questions are open-ended, students can use the same card to make up several different questions from the same book!
The Common Core State Standards for 3rd Grade and Beyond that Apply…
• SL.3.1. Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 3 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
o Ask questions to check understanding of information presented, stay on topic, and link their comments to the remarks of others.
o Explain their own ideas and understanding in light of the discussion.
• RI.3.1. Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
• RL.3.1. Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
• RL.3.3. Describe characters in a story (e.g., their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events.
I have taught 6 years as a classroom teacher and 2 years as a reading specialist. I am currently a literacy coordinator for grades 3-5. I teach intermediate students and coach teachers in the reading, writing, and language workshops.