Each placemat begins with having students prepare to read by making predictions or looking at text features. Then, as students read, they use the placemats to engage in conversations about the text depending on the purpose of the reading (e.g. compare and contrast, cause and effect. . .). Finally, after reading, students engage in higher-order thinking by discussing theme, lessons, morals, connections to self, character traits, and more.

These can be used in partner conversations, small group discussions, Socratic Seminar, during read alouds, or books clubs.

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