Lesson 10:
Using Reciprocal Teaching Strategies

Mrs. Cunningham’s lesson is based on the Reciprocal Teaching model and is an example of explicit instruction of English SOL 7.5c – the student will read and demonstrate comprehension of a variety of fiction, narrative nonfiction, and poetry and summarize text. Summarizing text is essential for demonstrating comprehension, but it is difficult for many students. Mrs. Cunningham provides three quick procedures to help scaffold the process for her students.

The lesson also includes opportunities for students to:
7.1a use oral vocabulary and style appropriate for listeners,
   
7.1b communicate ideas and information orally in an organized and succinct manner,
   
7.1c ask probing questions to seek elaboration and clarification of ideas, and
   
7.5f make inferences based on explicit and implied information.

Mrs. Cunningham seizes teachable moments to reinforce 7.4b – recognize figurative language and 7.5c – describe the impact of word choice, imagery, and poetic devices while reading aloud to her students.

Mrs. Cunningham brings the text to life by reading aloud, but midway she shifts the responsibility to the students by asking them to read silently. She insists that they discuss the text with each other before they write to prepare for their short oral presentations. Discussion and writing are both powerful strategies, which enhance comprehension.
 
 
     
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
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