Stop and Say Something

You can offer an interactive twist to traditional in-class reading assignments by having students “stop and say something.” Instead of the usual “silent reading” approach, have students partner up in class. Have them identify who is Partner A and who is Partner B. Each will read independently, although they are sitting side-by-side.

After several minutes of silent reading, announce they should Stop reading, and Partner A should say something to Partner B about the reading so far.

What was interesting? What was confusing? What did it remind them of? What was it like? What did they connect to? What are they predicting? What are they visualizing? Allow about 30 seconds for the ONE student to share his thought(s). This is NOT a discussion--it's an opportunity to simply share a thought. Then have them resume reading independently. Again, after several more minutes of silent reading, have Partner B “stop, and say something” to Partner A. Continue doing this a handful of times until students have completed the assigned section of text.

This strategy encourages students to think while reading and not wait until they are done with the passage. It forces them to be a little more in tune to the reading and their understanding of it.