Thinking Detectives Library Class with Miss Amy

In this weekly class, kids will use their curiosity to investigate and dig deeper into a read-aloud picture book--to be Thinking Detectives! 

Picture books are not only for young learners they are for all ages. Illustrations along with text lead to more complex analyses and reading between the lines provides opportunities for different interpretations. Exposure to picture books for older readers promotes reading for pleasure and just great conversation filled with wonder and awe.

Class participation and discussion are essential so we all can learn from one another to deepen our critical thinking skills. There are many intriguing unknowns in books, so many questions to investigate such as-- 

Why did the author choose those words?
What do those words even mean?
Why did the character do that?
What is the character thinking? How do you know?
What is the character’s goal/mission? How will they achieve their goal?
Why don't the pictures match the story or do they?
Why did the illustrator use those colors?
What would be in Part 2 of this story?
Hmmm? I have no idea what is going on?
But wait...how does that relate to me?

Depending on the book and/or topic similar questions will be demystified as we become Thinking Detectives each class.

Using reading comprehension, illustration analysis, comparing, contrasting questioning, sequencing, personal and/or world connections, and more, students and I will try to figure out the book's mysteries via class discussion. Many times our investigation leads to an impromptu sequel or wonder and interests to investigate further at home.

General class outline:
Welcome
Read-aloud 
Class discussion (using the above-mentioned strategies)
Goodbye