Engaging Lesson Introduction for Reading Comprehension
Objective
To spark students' interest and excitement in reading while introducing the concept of reading comprehension.
The Mysterious Package
Setting the Scene:
Begin the lesson by presenting a mysterious, unopened package — this could be a real box wrapped in plain paper or a decorated box that captures the students' attention.
Materials Needed:
- A box (decorated or plain)
- A few intriguing, unrelated items inside (e.g., a toy, a book, an old photograph, a piece of fabric)
- A whiteboard and markers
Step-by-Step Introduction
1. Create Intrigue:
- As students enter the classroom, casually mention that you found a mysterious package in the school office intended for the class.
- Ask students what they think is inside the package and why. Prompt them with questions like:
- "What do you think it could be?"
- "Why do you think it was sent to us?"
- "How might we find out what's inside?"
2. Think-Pair-Share:
- Have students think about their answers individually for a minute.
- Then, pair them up to discuss their ideas.
- After 2-3 minutes of discussion, invite pairs to share their theories with the class.
3. Unwrap the Package:
- Finally, open the box to reveal the contents.
- As you uncover each item, discuss potential stories or information about each, emphasizing how we can understand them better by asking questions and making inferences.
Transition to Reading Comprehension
4. Connecting to the Lesson:
- Explain that just like uncovering the mysteries within the package, today’s lesson will focus on how we can uncover the mysteries in a story through reading comprehension.
- Write the following question on the whiteboard:
- "How do we understand a story better?"
- Encourage students to think about the strategies they can use, such as asking questions, making predictions, and summarizing what they've read.
5. Introduce the Day's Activity:
- Let students know they will be reading a short story together and using their comprehension skills to uncover its meaning, just like they did with the package.
Conclusion
This engaging introduction sets a playful tone for the lesson and encourages active participation. It ensures students are curious and ready to delve into the world of reading comprehension with a sense of excitement and collaboration.