閱讀偵探：理解與字彙練習

The aim of this reading class is to foster a love of reading in all students, build confidence and enhance literacy skills. 
The lessons focus on 4 key reading strategies: context, inference, drawing conclusions and analogies. Using engaging short paragraphs students are asked to work out inferences, conclusions, missing vocabulary or word associations using one or more of the key strategies. Once students have worked out the correct answer students are then asked to write a short clarification explaining 'how' they know this is the answer using evidence from the text to support their answers. Explaining how they worked out an answer and providing evidence to support their answers is crucial for students  for several reasons:
Deepens Understanding: When students explain their thought process, they reinforce their understanding of the material. It helps them to clarify their own thinking and ensures they truly grasp the concepts.
Critical Thinking: This practice encourages critical thinking. Students learn to analyze information, make connections, and draw logical conclusions, which are essential skills for academic success and everyday problem-solving.
Communication Skills: Being able to articulate their reasoning helps students develop strong communication skills. They learn to express their ideas clearly and confidently, which is valuable in both academic and social settings.
Evidence-Based Learning: Providing evidence to support their answers teaches students the importance of backing up their claims with facts. This skill is fundamental in all areas of study and helps them become more credible and persuasive in their arguments.
Self-Assessment: When students explain their answers, they can identify any gaps in their knowledge or misunderstandings. This self-assessment helps them to learn from their mistakes and improve over time.
Engagement and Participation: Encouraging students to explain their answers and provide evidence fosters a more interactive and engaging learning environment. ​ It promotes active participation and makes learning a more dynamic and collaborative process. ​
Overall, these skills are not only vital for academic success but also for personal development. They help students become more independent, confident, and effective learners, preparing them for future educational challenges and real-world situations. ​

Lessons also include picture prompts. This is an effective way to teach inference because
pictures provide visual clues that students can analyse to make inferences, helping them practice this skill in a concrete and engaging way. It encourages students to think critically about the details they see and use their prior knowledge to interpret the scene. ​
Visuals are often more engaging for students, making the learning process more enjoyable and memorable. Analysing pictures can promote discussion and collaboration among students, enhancing their ability to articulate their thoughts and listen to others' perspectives. Lessons also include riddles to practice the 4 key reading strategies and develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. 
Lessons are taught via powerpoint - students will either use chat or discussions to answer questions - each week there will be be sections covering all 4 of the key reading strategies and at the end of each class the 'Master Detective' will be awarded there detective badge. 

At the end of each half term, your learner will receive detailed feedback based on the WORD DETECTIVES assessment rubric. This feedback will provide insights into their progress in reading comprehension and vocabulary development.
This comprehensive feedback is designed to help your learner identify their strengths and set out three clear targets for improvement in the next half term thereby supporting their journey towards becoming a Master Detective in this reading curriculum.