When we look at learning evidence to shape how we instruct our students, we analyze a variety of data. One of the ways we collect learning evidence is by talking to students about their learning. We recently talked with students about some of the ways they are recording their thinking on sticky notes while they are reading. Here are some of the quotes we heard from the students’ mouths in grade 5:
“Because of the thinking prompts we are now using, I am recording much more about why I think certain things while I am reading.”
“I use the prompt ‘I used to think __________, but now I think _____________.’ because it helps me understand more about my book.”
“I look back at the sticky notes I use when I read the book, and my perspective changes the more I read.”
“My thinking gets more precise when I revise my sticky notes during my reading.”
“If I record my thinking while I am reading, it helps me see how my character is developing and changing throughout the book.”
“My first sticky note had three words on it, now I go back and I see how much more I am writing about my thinking. It helps me understand the book.”
“It helps me reflect about the characters. It helps me to understand who they are and why they do the things they are doing.”
