1. Grand Conversations
Grand conversations are discussions held by the entire class community. What
makes grand conversations different from other forms of whole group activities is that
the teacher does not direct grand conversations. This strategy allows for dialogue
among students that is student directed and each one has the opportunity to critique,
debate and extend upon each other’s ideas.
Objectives -To provide a skillful strategy to students that helps them focus on
comprehending and thinking as they read
-To develop deeper understanding.
Procedure:
1. Hand out the think aloud cards to students and a reading passage such as an
EBSCO article or the text or a novel.
2. The teacher or a fluent reader from the class reads aloud. As the reading
takes place, the students are directed to use the cards as follows:
W – “I Wonder” card- use when you have a question about what is being
read or “wonder” about the information.
N – “I Notice” card – use when you notice something interesting about the
text or pictures, any connections or incongruence’s.
P – “Prior Knowledge” card – use when you have any prior knowledge to
share about the topic.
S – “Spark” card – use when someone else says something that makes you
think of something else related to the text. This can only be used during a
discussion.
3. As each student uses a card, the card is turned over. All students must use
their cards before starting over.
4. When all students have used their cards, turn them back to front and start
the process over.
Little Chute Area School District Active Literacy Model
2. W N P S
W N P S
W N P S
W N P S
W N P S
W N P S
Little Chute Area School District Active Literacy Model
