Comprehension Strategies – Connecting

  • Objective: Discuss literary texts and share responses by making connections with your own experiences by using the comprehension strategy connecting, when listening, viewing and reading to build literal and inferred meaning.

Introductory Video

Introduction:

When we read stories, sometimes we find parts that remind us of things that have happened in our own lives. This is called making connections. Making connections with a story helps us understand it better and makes reading more fun! Let’s learn how to relate to a story and use examples from the book “Why Can’t I Be A Dinosaur?” by Faustina Agolley.

Making Connections with Your Own Experiences:
  1. Characters:
    • Think about the characters in the story and compare them to people you know.
    • Example from the book: In “Why Can’t I Be A Dinosaur?,” the main character, Nellie, really wants to be a dinosaur.
      • Connection: You might have wanted to be something special too, like a superhero or a princess.
  2. Feelings:
    • Think about how the characters feel and compare it to times when you felt the same way.
    • Example from the book: Nellie feels frustrated because she can’t be a dinosaur.
      • Connection: You might have felt frustrated when you couldn’t do something you really wanted to do, like ride a big bike or reach a high shelf.
  3. Events:
    • Think about what happens in the story and compare it to things that have happened to you.
    • Example from the book: Nellie wears her dinosaur costume underneath her dress.
      • Connection: You might remember a time when you wanted to wear something special, like a favorite costume or outfit, even when it wasn’t the right time or place for it.
Ways Children Might Relate to “Why Can’t I Be A Dinosaur?”:
  1. Frustration:
    • Feeling frustrated when things don’t go the way you want is something all kids experience, like when you can’t play outside because it’s raining.
  2. Support:
    • Just like Nellie’s family and friends support her, you have people who support you when you need help or are feeling down.
  3. Being Yourself:
    • The story teaches that being yourself is wonderful, a lesson that everyone can relate to as they grow and learn about their own unique qualities.

Conclusion:

Making connections with stories helps us understand them better and enjoy reading more. By thinking about the characters, feelings, events, and lessons in the story “Why Can’t I Be A Dinosaur?” by Faustina Agolley, and comparing them to your own experiences, you can see how the story relates to your life. Remember, stories are not just about reading—they are about discovering and relating to the world around you!