Beyond the Text Questions

Many of us talked at conferences about "beyond the text" comprehension questions. This is a big focus right now in class. I thought I would post a list of some general questions you can ask your child while reading together that would fall in this category. That way, you can use them if you see fit! The list below is split into fiction and non fiction questions. Some may appear in both lists.

FICTION:
How does this story make you feel?
What genre is the book? How do you know?
Is this book a good example this genre? Why?
Can you think of another book this reminds you of in this genre?
How was this book like other books you have read in this genre?
What is your favorite illustration? Why did you choose it?
Why do you think the author chose this style of illustration?
What is the author's message in this book?
Do you think the author was trying to teach a lesson? What was it?
Why do you think the author wrote this text?
What are some interesting words, phrases, or sentences in this story?
Do any of the characters remind you of someone in your life? Tell about them.
Does this text remind you of any other text you've read?
Does this text remind you of something from real life or something that has happened to you?
Why do you think the author repeated the phrase (insert phrase here)/used the words (insert words)/included that (letters, poems, songs, etc.) in the text?
Tell something the author did to keep you interested while you read.

NONFICTION
What questions does this text make you think of?
What genre is the book? How do you know?
Is this book a good example this genre? Why?
Can you think of another book this reminds you of in this genre?
How was this book like other books you have read in this genre?
Tell something the author did to keep you interested while you read.
Why do you think the author chose to write this book?
What is the author's message in this text?
Why is this topic important for people to learn about?
Tell about the headings in this text. Why are they included and what do you learn from them?
Tell about the diagram(s) in this text. Why are they included and what do you learn from them?
Does this text remind you of any other text you've read?
Does this text remind you of something from real life or something that has happened to you?
Would you like to learn more about this topic? Why or why not?

How to Complete Greg Tang's DigiCross and NumTanga Puzzles

Math homework will often be a variety of puzzles from Greg Tang Math which incorporate fact practice and problem solving along with a variety of other concepts in a fun way. (some of these are games on his website, www.GregTangMath.com ) We do these in class several times a week and I always provide instruction, but in case students forget what to do or you would like some info, I made a video on how to solve each puzzle. Here is the video for DigiCross and NumTanga. Enjoy!

What is Xtra Math?

Recently your child brought home an flyer for Xtra math. When you get a chance, log on with your child to Xtra math using the information on the flyer. Xtra math is a fun math fact website where your child can practice math facts using technology! No more paper flash cards like when I was in school. Practicing math facts is not the be all end all of classroom mathematics (see the Common Core State Standards) but familiarity with facts is very useful. All second grade classes have a goal this year of helping students master math facts this year. The expectation is that at the end of second grade, students should have mastery of basic addition and subtraction facts. Yes, subtraction too! In school we will be doing Xtra math as a class about twice or three times a month (we will also be doing other activities in class to increase math fact fluency) but I would recommend you have your child go online to Xtramath.org two or more times a week. Each time your child logs in, the t...

How to Practice Math in the Summer

Research has shown math is the area most likely in which students are most likely to regress in over the summer. How can you prevent this from happening? I have a whole bunch of suggestions that you can implement, at least a few times a week this summer and none are that hard to do. Things your child can do: Work on pages that are skipped or incomplete in their math books Continue math fact practice with XtraMath.com, flash cards, during commerical breaks, or verbal practice while driving in the car. Third grade teachers look for students to have mastered addition facts up to 10 + 10 and subtraction facts within 20 by the fall. Therefore, kids should practice addition and subtraction! Look for fun apps that help kids practice math. Some examples are: Sushi Monster Dreambox (a few kids may already have accounts - I would have sent home a letter in the winter if so) Splash Math Kids Math Marble Math Junior Peter Pig's Money Math Counter Go...

Second Grade at Shaker Lane - Room 202

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