Using “Think Marks” to Guide Student Reading Responses

Having your students write about their reading is something that should be happening every single day! It gives them practice to develop their writing skills and helps build thoughtful reflection while reading. If you’re feeling like you’ve run out of ways to motivate your students to write about their reading, I have a great tool for you that you can implement today!

My secret is a chart called the “think marks anchor chart”. Teachers, this is the solution to getting even your most reluctant writers to think and write about what they are reading! And guess what? All you need is chart paper, sticky notes, and a pencil! 

In this episode I share:

• What think marks are and how to link them to questioning
• How to make a think marks anchor chart that is right for your students
• 8 quick tips for using the think marks chart in your classroom
• The benefits of using visuals during literacy instruction
• The process of creating symbols to connect to each student response type

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Check out the readers use “think marks” anchor chart
• Reading Response Question Ring
• Reading Response Stem Cards Bundle

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About The Literacy Dive Podcast:

Do you find yourself seeking new ideas when it comes to literacy instruction in elementary classrooms? The Literacy Dive Podcast was created to offer actionable steps and to share information for teachers, like you, who are always looking to improve their craft! ELA is our jam and we are excited to dive into all things reading and writing with you!

Your host, Megan Polk, is the creator and owner behind Miss P’s Style. She is a literacy specialist and loves to support students and their teachers with curriculum, literacy instruction, best practices, and engaging literacy activities. Through this podcast, she will share literacy tips and strategies that she has learned from the many years of experience she holds from being an elementary teacher and literacy specialist. Megan has taught all elementary grades (K-5), but an intense passion and love for upper elementary came about!

Dive in with us every Monday for a new episode from Megan! She, and her guests, will chat about various literacy topics and will bring you tips and tricks that can easily be implemented in your classrooms… immediately!

You can tune in wherever you get your podcasts! Listen to The Literacy Dive Podcast on platforms like Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, and more! If you find value from listening to this podcast, please rate this show, leave a review, and subscribe!