big+books


 * Before Reading:**

Display the Big Book cover. Point to and read aloud the title and the author's name. Ask children what they see in the photo or illustration on the cover. Briefly explain the topic of the book they will be reading. Ask children to make connections to the text by sharing what they know about the topic.
 * 1. Build background for all learners.**

List key words from the Big Book on the board. Read the words with children and discuss their meanings. Then state each definition in random order and ask children to name the word.
 * 2. Preview content vocabulary.**


 * During Reading:**

Read aloud the Big Book all the way through. Then reread, encouraging children to join in. As you proceed through the book, guide comprehension and prompt discussion with questions to develop literal, inferential, and critical thinking skills.
 * 3. Share the book.**


 * After Reading:**

Encourage discussion so children can share their responses to the book, and find personal meaning and connections to the content.
 * 4. Respond to the text.**

Choose a text structure (for example, compare/contrast or sequence) that can be applied to the Big Book. Work with children to complete an appropriate graphic organizer to support comprehension. Building an understanding of text structures will also help children access and navigate informational texts they encounter in the future.
 * 5. Examine text structures.**