Whole Class School Journal Resource Year 7-8 – My First Ramadan: School Journal Level 4 June 2024

Description

Enhance your students’ reading comprehension using Science of Reading principles with this engaging resource focused on the personal essay, “My First Ramadan,” from the Level 4 June 2024 School Journal. Perfect for supplementing your structured literacy program, this comprehensive teaching tool develops key comprehension strategies, vocabulary, grammar, syntax, sentence structure, verbal reasoning, and content knowledge.

Explore Ramadan and Build Empathy:

“My First Ramadan” offers a valuable window into the traditions and experiences of a Muslim family during this special time of year. This story provides valuable insights into diverse cultures, fostering empathy and understanding in your classroom.

Comprehensive Resource for Whole-Class Teaching:

This resource includes a 50-slide slideshow, support worksheets, and graphic organisers designed for whole-class instruction. Simply project the School Journal PDF and distribute copies of the text (2-3 students per copy). The slideshow’s Presenter View provides everything you need for a seamless lesson.

Structured Learning Over Multiple Sessions:

The text is divided into two manageable sections for two reading sessions, allowing ample time for vocabulary and content exploration. Engaging discussion prompts encourage critical thinking. Follow-up activities for days three and four include:

• GIST summarising activity (20-word summary)
• Sequence text structure graphic organiser
• Critical thinking questions for deeper connections and inferences

Key Features & Benefits:

• Science of Reading Aligned: Focuses on monitoring comprehension, summarising, drawing conclusions, and using textual evidence.
• Deep Comprehension: Activities move beyond simple recall, promoting higher-order thinking.
• Integrated Literacy Skills: Connects to key writing skills, including sentence expanding, comma rules, and figurative language.
• Vocabulary Development: Explicit vocabulary instruction with definitions, examples, and semantic activities (synonyms/antonyms).
• Critical Thinking: Encourages deeper analysis and discussion through targeted questions.
• Promotes Active Learning: Combines reading, discussion, and critical thinking for increased student engagement.
• Differentiated Learning: Supports diverse learners, including developing readers.
• Real-World Connections: Helps students connect the text to their own experiences.

Targeted Skills Development:

This resource helps students learn to:

• Monitor and confirm comprehension (annotating, rereading, questioning, visualizing).
• Summarise and draw conclusions, identifying key details.
• Make inferences using stated and implied ideas.
• Analyse text structure and language for effect.
• Think critically about perspectives and make connections.

Tips for Effective Use:

• Utilise PowerPoint’s presentation mode.
• Display the text and provide student copies for shared reading.
• Follow the suggested activity sequence, extending learning with follow-up activities.

Why Choose This Resource?

Research demonstrates that explicit comprehension instruction significantly improves reading ability, particularly vocabulary and connecting ideas. This resource offers a structured yet flexible approach to support student growth in these crucial areas. Perfect for educators seeking to enhance reading comprehension and vocabulary while aligning with curriculum objectives.