The Reviews are In!

We usually take a few minutes to reflect on the book we've just read together, before plunging on to the next.  One of the ways we reflect is by doing a review. My students have really enjoyed the review process this year, as they know that their opinions matter. They also learn that not everyone feels the same way about things, and that is okay.

Having them do reviews also helps reading comprehension (and allows ME to see what they remember about the story). They learn to express an opinion and develop his or her writing style. Their critical thinking "muscle" gets a bit of exercise as well, as children make deeper connections with literature.

First and second graders are at the beginning stages of reviewing books. As they get older, teachers and parents can help them recognize various elements of books, and this may help them self-select future books to try.

Here are just a few examples from today's review of The Witches, by Roald Dahl.