Connecting to Students

Save the Last Word Protocol

1. Each person in the group needs to letter themselves A, B, C, D

2. Student A reads the passage they felt a connection to while reading the text.

3. Students B-D respond to the passage keeping their comments under 1 minute.

4. Student A has 2 minutes to explain the significance of the passage after everyone else in the group has commented.

Repeat with each student in the group.

Shared Reading Activity

Shared reading is a strategy that can enhance reading for students of all ages. It allows students to hear and practice speaking with emotion. It allows students to reread a text for more clarity and depth. 

Read the following poem with a group and listen for the words that are repeated. When you are finished reading the poem through as a group 3 times, write what words or phrases you connect to and explain why. 

In Good Hands

a classroom is a magical place
In the hands of a gifted teacher
There’s a smile on each child's face
In the Hands of a Gifted Teacher
Creative Energy is Everywhere
In the Hands of a Gifted Teacher
There’s a Catalyst who Genuinely Cares
In the Hands of a Gifted Teacher
Desire and Wonder is Awakened
In the Hands of a Gifted Teacher
The Educational Agenda is Shaken
In the Hands of a Gifted Teacher
Self-Management Skills are Modeled
In the Hands of a Gifted Teacher
The Best of Reality is Bottled
In the Hands of a Gifted Teacher
Gifts and Talents are Refined
In the Hands of a Gifted Teacher
The Willed Future is Designed 

In the hands of a gifted teacher

Ultimate Cyan

Reflection Activity

Regie Routman discusses connecting to students in her book, "Reading Essentials." After reading this chapter, respond to the following questions in order to reflect on your learning.

Reflection on Learning – How does the poem connect to Chapter 2 of Regie Routman’s book? How does what Regie Routman says about connecting to students help you or confuse you? How do you plan to connect to your most difficult students?