Friday, April 21, 2023

 Asking Questions While Reading

Throughout the year students in grades three to six have been encouraged to enhance their questioning skills while reading fiction and nonfiction texts. In previous months, we have discussed four types of questions Quiz, Wonders, Thinking and Author all of which can help clarify our understanding. 

To refine our skills we are now taking a closer look at the questions we ask. Do the questions limit our answers to one correct answer? Or do they encourage further inquiry and a "deeper understanding" of the material?

Puddle Questions

Puddle questions are specific and focus on a particular detail or aspect of a topic. They can be described as "shallow" and are limiting. Puddle questions only have one “correct” answer. These questions often start with when, who, where, what etc. You do not need a "deep understanding" of a subject to answer these questions as the information is usually found directly in the text. Puddle questions do have purpose and can help build a foundation for topics.

Examples of Student Puddle Questions While Reading Plant Texts:

• Where can you find Venus Flytraps?
• How big is the largest Durian?
• What is the cause of the Durian's horrible smell?

Ocean Questions

Ocean type questions are broad and will have more than one answer. Often the first question will lead to other questions. Ocean questions require a person to have a "deeper understanding" of the topic. These questions may also require you to use critical thinking skills and possibly explore the topic further to find the answers.

Examples of Student Ocean Questions While Reading Simple Machine Texts:

• How does the contraption work that lifts the sign? Does it make it easier? What happens when he pulls or drops the rope?
• I wonder how many simple machines are in this picture (of a factory).