Introduction to Text-to-Self Connections in Reading
Lesson Hook: "My Magic Mirror"
Objective:
Engage students in understanding the concept of making personal connections with texts by using a creative and interactive activity.
Activity Overview:
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Materials Needed:
- Paper mirrors (you can have students cut out mirror shapes from cardstock)
- Markers or crayons
- A selection of short, relatable stories or excerpts (fables, fairy tales, etc.)
- A whiteboard or flip chart for discussion
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Setup:
- Start the class by distributing paper mirrors to each student.
- Ask students to look into their "magic mirrors" and think for a moment about their feelings, experiences, and memories.
Step 1: Guided Reflection
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Discussion Prompt:
“What’s something special about you that others may not know? Think about a favorite memory or an experience that makes you who you are!”
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Give students a few moments to think about their responses.
Step 2: Sharing Time
- Group Sharing:
Invite students to share their thoughts with a partner or, if comfortable, with the class. Encourage them to explain why that memory or experience is important.
Step 3: Text-to-Self Connection Explanation
- Introduce Concept:
Explain that just like they have experiences that shape them, stories also connect to our lives.
“When we read a story, sometimes it reminds us of our own experiences. This is called a ‘text-to-self connection.’”
Step 4: Exploration Activity
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Storytime:
Select a short story or excerpt and read it aloud to the class.
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Making Connections:
After reading, prompt the students with questions:
- “How does this story relate to your own life?”
- “Have you ever felt the way the character feels?”
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Students can use their mirrors to share one connection they made with the story.
Conclusion
- Wrap up by reminding students how powerful their personal experiences are in understanding and enjoying the stories they read.
- Everyone has a unique “magic mirror” of experiences that help them connect to literature!
Reflection:
This engaging start will not only capture students' interest but also lay a strong foundation for them to understand and appreciate the importance of personal connections while reading.