Genre Comprehension Wheel – SCOPES-DF
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Lesson Details

Subjects*
ELA
Age Ranges*
5-8, 8-11,
Fab Tools*
Laser Cutter,
Author
Alicia Knight

Author

Alicia Knight
K-12 teacher
Greetings! My name is Alicia Knight and I am an early childhood educator in the state of Massachusetts.  I’m new to digital fabrication work but not new to the classroom.  I’ve taught kindergarten (age 5-6) through fourth grade (age 9-10)… Read More

Summary

This lesson is designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of text. In order to comprehend, students need to know how to identify fiction and nonfiction text and they different types of questions that are required based on the genre.

 

Prior to this lesson students must have been introduced to fiction and nonfiction text and be able to recognize the various features. Show students how to use the wheel to focus their response from what they have read.  Practice using this type of turn taking model outside of academics helps students feel familiar with the format and more trusting when taking turns. 

 

The lesson itself allows for groups of 4 students to take turns reading, identifying if the text as fiction or nonfiction, using the wheel to select a question to evoke a deeper meaning, speaking in a group setting, working together and eventually sharing the learning that took place. 

What You'll Need

  • Readworks articles (see attachments) AND/OR choose short fiction and nonfiction passages of your choice that fits the profile and subject matter relevant to your learners.
  • Genre Wheel
  • Index cards with “a,b,c or d” written on them for each group.  

 

 

Lesson Materials

The Instructions

Review Turn Taking

Review and discuss the model of taking turns and what participating looks like/sounds like/feels like. Students are reminded of a previous lesson that focussed on using this turn taking model. Reflecting on that activity reminds students of expectations in participation.

  • Open discussion – Ask who remembers the ABCD activity and what they remember.
  • Identify important elements – everyone has a job, turn taking, what to do if…(someone doesn’t want to read, someone forgets, someone says something unexpected…)
  • Remind them of the share out at the end of the activity.  

 

Fiction/Nonfiction Review in Fishbowl Model

Prepare for the lesson by demonstrating the format of the activity and a quick review of fiction/nonfiction to ensure the students connect to prior learning.

  • Demonstrate a short fishbowl activity that shows the structure and expectations for all students when they work in small groups.
  • Use fiction and nonfiction text – show the cover, back and quick images in the selection.
  • Model a ‘think aloud’ where you try to determine if a text is fiction or nonfiction.
  • Allow each student to have a job 
  • A – read the title of the book
  • B – what are you thinking? Fiction/Nonfiction?
  • Turn the wheel to the appropriate side of the wheel
  • Answer a question

 

Create Groups and Materials

Divide students into small groups, give them their index cards and the passages they will read with the genre wheel. Students practice the skill of identifying a genre and discussing one element of the text in more depth. Next they switch cards and roles and repeat the process with a different text.

  • Teacher chooses how to divide students into small groups of 4 students (count off around the circle or prepare groups ahead of time)  
  • Explain to them their jobs – each person gets a card – a,b,c,d 
  1. One person in the group will read the passage aloud
  2. One person will decide if the text is fiction or nonfiction
  3. One person will turn the dial
  4. One person will answer the question on the wheel
  • Give each group 4 different passages (use the Readworks Passages given here or passages of your choice that aligns with topics you are studying in class)
  • Allow students to rotate the jobs so everyone gets a turn with each job and the 4 passages have been read.

 

Share/Reflect

Allow time for the individuals in the group to discuss the activity in preparation for a whole class share. When groups are ready, bring students together to discuss their learning, both academic and individual observations.

  • Ask groups to discuss the following:
  • How did this activity make you think differently about fiction/nonfiction?
  • Did the Genre Wheel help you to ask and answer questions about the text? Please explain.
  • What new learning or new ideas did you have?
  • How did your group work together?
  • How did you feel you did as a member of the group?

 

Lesson Extensions

Consider how you might use this activity as a springboard into independent responses to text. Below are some ideas. What others can you add to the list?

  • Choose different material and be sure each group gets to each question within the genre.
  • Create a work station where students could access the wheel independently when reading.  
  • Assess text comprehension through Benchmark Assessments and/or written feedback.

 

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