During Reading Strategy: Insert Strategy or X Marks the Spot

(Vaughn and Estes, 1986)

Purpose of Strategy:
It promotes active reading by giving the student a concrete symbol to represent his/her thinking.

How to Introduce the Strategy: 1. Teacher models the procedure for students to follow while doing independent reading. 2. Students practice the procedure during guided practice. 3. Students practice the procedure with a partner. 4. After each introductory stage, the class discusses the various items that were marked. 5. Use the attached coding systems to help. Choose one to three symbols.

Insert Strategy Symbols

I Agree _ I Disagree + New Information ? I wonder * Important ?? I Dont Understand = An Answer to a Question # Supporting Example ! Wow
Adapted from: Stephens and Brown (2000). A Handbook of Content Literacy Strategies: 75 Practical Reading and Writing Ideas. Norwood, MA: Christopher Gordon.

X Marks the Spot Symbols

X ? !

Main Idea or Important Event A Confusing Part Something New or Surprising Some Part that Evokes an Emotional Response

A Connection to Your Life/Another Text/World