Reading Strategy: REAP

Read
Encode
Annotate
Ponder

In my content literacy class I had to give a lesson based on a reading strategy. My observation classroom does a lot of textbook reading so I thought the REAP strategy would be great for them.

What I did:
First I had students draw the four boxes with each letter separately written at the top of the boxes. In each separate box will be filled in with specific information relating to the letter in the box.

Next I had the students read by themselves, the first section of lesson two of the chapter.

Once they were done, we filled in each box together.

R box: the title of the section

E box: encode, which I had students write summaries in this box

A box: annotate, have students write notes about important aspects of the section they just read    include key terms

P box: ponder, have students think of questions they have based on the text as well as connections to other things they have learned from other classes

The first time around we filled in the boxes together. Once the students got the gist of what we were doing, I allowed the students to pair up, read and fill in the boxes themselves. When they were done we came back together to fill in my boxes that were on the smartboard.

I got to use smartboard with this lesson and it was so much fun!!

REAP reading strategy

Reading strategy: concept ladder

This strategy can be used for pre-reading, post reading as well as during reading.  I would use this strategy for text books. It encourages students to generate their own questions so they will be more invested and interested in their reading. 

At the top of the ladder you put the main idea of what ever you are reading. So for the example I have provided, the main idea of the chapter is the Nile river. 

Then as students are skimming the chapter they will write questions they have. This can be done individually, with small groups, partners or as a whole class.  You can add as many questions as you would like for the students to generate.  

In my example the textbook described the Nile as a giver and taker of life. So I asked the question "how can it give and take way life."  

While skimming, students may find the answer to their question, but if they don't, that's ok. The unanswered questions allow for further learning, whether it be as homework, extra credit or can be discussed with the class to see if they can figure out the answer on their own.