Discussion Director “The Questioner”

Why do readers ask questions? To help them better understand what they read. When do good readers ask questions?

Good readers ask questions…. before they read. while they read. after they read.

QAR: Question-Answer Relationship The answer to questions we have are: In the Book OR In My Head Right There Think and Search Author and ME On My Own

Right There Questions Level One The answer is in the text. You can find the answer in one line. For Example: What color is Otis’ hair? Where does Otis go to School?

Think and Search Level 2 The answer is in the text, but I need to put it together using different pieces of information. Answer comes from different places in the text Example: Compare Otis to Ellen. How does Otis pick on Ellen in school?

Author and ME Level 3 The answer is not in the text. I need to think about what I already know, what the author tells me, and how it fits together (connect to self). Example: - I wonder why Otis always stirs up excitement in school? - I wonder what Otis teacher would say if he was good for one day?

On My Own Level 4 The answer can be found using your own thoughts and knowledge. You do not need the book to answer the question. Example: - What do you already know about stirring up excitement in school? - What is you favorite subject in school?

Choose: Right There (RT), Think and Search (TS), Author and Me (AM), On My Own (OMO) What does Otis Spofford look like? Why was it hard for Otis to “stir up a little excitement” at home? Why doesn’t Otis like folk dancing? List two dances the class learned in folk dancing? What is your favorite class? Would you like to be Otis’ dancing partner? Who will be the front half of the bull costume? Who will be in the back? Who will be the toreador? Why was Otis disappointed when George only grinned at Otis when he sang about him? Why was the Mrs. Gitler’s face flushed? Why did Mrs. Gitler tell Otis to “behave” himself?

Questions to ask before you read: On My Own   What do I need to know about this subject to read this?   What do I know about this author that might help me? Why I am I reading this? How should I read it (e.g., carefully, quickly, leisurely)?

What does this character want? Questions to ask while you read. Right There, Think and Search, Author and Me, On My Own       What does this character want?       What will happen next?    How does this relate to my own experience, knowledge, or previous reading?

Questions to ask after you read Questions to ask after you read. Right There, Think and Search, Author and Me, On My Own How did the character change by the end of the story? What was the big idea? What continues to confuse me?

Post-it Your Questions Read and Finish Chapter Two Write Your Questions on Post-its as you read.

Homework Discussion Director (in packet) Choose four questions from your Post-it notes to copy onto the Discussion Director Worksheet and answer your questions.