Connecting to Texts

We are learning to extend our understanding of texts by connecting the ideas in them to our own knowledge and experience; to other familiar texts, and to the world around us. 

Good readers draw on prior knowledge and experience to help them understand what they are reading and are therefore able to use that knowledge to make connections. Struggling readers often move directly through a text without stopping to consider whether the text makes sense based on their own background knowledge, or whether their knowledge can be used to help them understand confusing or challenging materials. By teaching students how to connect to text they are able to better understand what they are reading (Harvey & Goudvis, 2000)

READING IS THINKING! 

When reading with your child at home, ask them to stop and think about how they can connect the text to their own life, to other texts they have read and to the world around us. 

The following prompts might help guide your thinking.