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Author Says, I Say

After Reading StrategyKrista SellEDU 552Teaching Reading in the Content Areas

Author Says, I Say StrategyThis strategy is a variation on a strategy developed by Beers (2003) which uses a chart to guide students comprehension of a written text. The Author Says, I Say strategy requires students to connect with the text and use higher-order thinking skills to make inferences based on prior knowledge and what they have read.

Author Says, I Say ChartThis is a sample chart that can be used for the Author Says, I Say strategy. The steps for teaching the use of this strategy will follow.I WonderThe Author SaysI SayAnd So

Steps for Teaching this StrategyAuthor Says, I Say is a great reading strategy for students. For it to work effectively, teachers must take the time to teach the use of the strategy and the accompanying chart.Here are 3 easy steps to effectively teachingAuthor Says, I Say

Step 1- IntroductionThe chart is devised to help readers connect prior knowledge and wonderings with what the author saysIn the chart, readers are prompted to also add what they are thinkingThe final column has students write what they now understand after reading. This forces them to make inferences based on what they read and what they know.Five key comprehension processes are used with this chart: questioning, determining importance, making connections to prior knowledge/inferring, and synthesizing new understandings.

I WonderThe Author SaysI SayAnd So

Step 2- ModelingModel the strategy with a think-aloudWalk students through reading and effectively filling out the chart step-by-step

I WonderThe Author SaysI SayAnd SoI wonder aboutI read that(include information from the text that answers your question from the previous column)This is what happenedI thinkI know that(Think about what you know about the information)ThereforeI concludeAs a result(Combine what the text says and what you know to answer your question)

Step 3- PracticeProvide opportunities for students to practice using the strategy to enhance comprehensionThe more chances they have to engage in the strategy, the better they will be at completing the taskEncourages students to use higher-order thinking skillsRequires them to connect with the text

Sample ChartHere is a sample chart using the Author Says, I Say strategy. Carefully look through the thought process of the reader and notice the inferences that are taking place.

Next time you assign reading, try the Author Says, I Say strategy. It is an effective way to help your students get engaged and interact with texts!

CreditsBeers, K. (2003). When Kids Can't Read: What Teachers Can Do. Heinemann. Retrieved from: thecenter.spps.org/uploads/Inference_Strategy.ppt

Buehl, D. (2009). Classroom Strategies for Interactive Learning. International Reading Association, Inc. Retrieved from: books.google.com/books?isbn=0872076865

Images:Greatschools.orgehow.com