WEEK Make Connections
This strategy helps students put what they are reading into context by helping
2 them see the connections between the text and themselves, the world around them,
and other things they have read or seen.
Introduce the Make Connections strategy by explaining: When good readers read, they will often
be reminded of something they have seen, done, or read before. This helps them better
understand the situation, the details, or the feelings involved in what they are reading. But it is
DAY important to stay focused on the text and not be distracted by the connections you make. Have
1 students read the instructions at the top of the page and then read the passage. When students have
finished reading, model a connection you made with the text (e.g., When I was in fourth grade, I
could not take part in the science fair because I had the chickenpox.). Direct students to complete
the strategy and skill practice activities. Review the answers together.
Remind students of the Make Connections strategy and ask them if they have ever been told they
were wrong about something when they knew they were right (e.g., someone said you did something
DAY you didn’t do). Say: You can use that experience to make a connection with this passage. Direct
students to read the passage. After students have finished, instruct them to complete the strategy
2 practice activity. Ask volunteers to share their responses. Have students discuss how they answered
the question based on their own experiences. Then direct students to complete the skill practice
activity. Review the answers together.
Point out to students that when they read about a place, they can make connections to what they are
reading by thinking about similar places they know of. Have students read the directions at the top
DAY of the page. Ask: Have you ever been to a community garden? What about a community center
3 or local park? Think about those places as you read. Direct students to read the passage and
complete the strategy practice activity. Invite volunteers to share their responses. Then have students
complete the skill practice activity. Review the answers together.
Remind students of the Make Connections strategy. Have students read the directions at the top of
the page. Then say: Good readers can connect what happens in a story to their own lives. As you
DAY read, think about what you would do if you were in a similar situation. How would you behave?
4 What would you say? Direct students to read the passage and complete the strategy practice activity.
Invite volunteers to share their responses. Then have students complete the skill practice activity.
Review the answers together.
Remind students of the Make Connections strategy. Tell students they are going to read about a new
way that scientists study hurricanes. Have students share what they know about hurricanes. Then
DAY direct students to read the passage. After they finish reading, have students complete the strategy
practice activity. Ask students how making a connection to something they would like to study
5 could help them better understand the passage (e.g., think about how to study something, new ideas
for studying something). Then have students complete the skill practice activity. Review the answers
together.
16 Daily Reading Comprehension • EMC 3454 • © Evan-Moor Corp.
3454.indb 16 10/19/10 8:01 AM
