This learning module discusses finding stopping points in reading books, the role of engagement in teaching reading, and using Socratic circles to deepen student engagement and learning from texts. It provides examples of Socratic circle activities involving reading and discussing the United States national anthem and comparing interpretations of its performance. Learners are asked to identify takeaways from readings, review linked websites, consider how to foster engagement with reading, and read an attached document on engagement in reading lessons from three countries.

1. Learning Module 10

2.  Finding a Stopping Point in Fountas & Pinnell’s
and Gallagher’s Books
The Role of Engagement in Teaching Reading
Socratic Circles as a Way to Deepen Student
Engagement and Learning with Texts

3. As we conclude reading Fountas and Pinnell’s and
Gallagher’s books, I would like you to identify three
key or “take-away” ideas from the books and email
them to me.

4.  How do you know if your students are engaged in reading tasks?
 Please review the websites linked to this learning module.
 How can you foster engagement with reading?
 Please read the attached document titled “Engagement in Reading: Lessons Learned from Three PISA
Countries”

5. Who was Socrates?
Athenian sculptor, philosopher and teacher who was sentenced to
death for poisoning the minds of Athen’s youth. He gave his life to
the pursuit of truth.

6. The Socratic method is a form of inquiry and debate between
individuals with opposing viewpoints based on asking and
answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and to
illuminate ideas or seek “truth.”
It is a dialectical method, often involving an oppositional
discussion in which the defense of one point of view is pitted
against the defense of another.
Here’s a student’s introduction to the Socratic Method:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sM1qT-jzP5s

7. (1) Write the words to the National Anthem of the
United States
(2) Write a question about the words to the
National Anthem or the process you went
through of writing the words to the National
Anthem.
(3) Share your question.
(4) Respond to someone’s specific question.
This technique can be conducted as one whole class circle
activity or an inner and outer circle activity:

8. (1)Read the words to the National Anthem
of the United States.
(2)Write one question about the words to
the National Anthem.
(3)Share your question.
(4)Respond to someone’s specific question.

9. (1) View Jimi Hendrix’ performance of the National Anthem.
http://www.myvideo.de/watch/5195282/Jimi_Hendrix_Star_Spangled_Banner_at_Woodstock_1969
(2) View Roseanne Barr’s performance of the National Anthem.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru2BYd3c90w
(3) Compare these interpretations of the National Anthem to your own.
(4) Write one question about your comparison of these interpretations of the
National Anthem to your own.
(5) Share your question.
(6) Respond to someone’s specific question.

10. (1)What did we do as
learners/readers/writers in this
process?
(2)What did you learn about literacy
through this process?

11.  Example of a Socratic Circle:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cxd__jjZI8o

12. Question:

13. Answer:
Questioning as a way to develop metacognitive
awareness about reading processes and comprehension
of a text (Beginning, Middle, End)
Writing as a tool for thinking/learning about a topic
Discussion as a way to foster student engagement
Multiple texts as a way to cultivate intertextual
connections, comprehension, and differentiation
Collaboration/Peer mediated learning as a way to foster
engagement and motivation