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A process we used prior
to each day's reading of the story, Melitte, was
to roll some "question cubes". These are plain wooden cubes with
the beginnings of questions written on the sides. Some of these
questions included: who will, what if, where was, how did, when
will, how was, etc. Students could use these suggestions to begin
writing their two questions for the day. If they didn't like
the selection, they could create two of their own. They would
then use these starters to compose questions involving some aspect
of the story.
This format aided their
focus on the story and made them a more active participant. They
became eager to learn more about the characters (who were "real”
to them) as well as listening more intently on the events that
affected the character's lives.
As a note, the book was
so special to my students that when the author, Fatima Shaik,
came to speak to them, the class questioned her thoroughly about
the characters, events, and the accuracy of the subject matter.
My class enjoyed the book so much that they were disappointed
there was no continuation. They then happily gave several suggestions
for a sequel!
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