Thinking out loud

Teaching Pre K-8, Nov/Dec 2001 by Mann, Thomasina

Master content areas by pondering class assignments out loud.

With my new assignment, I am working with math, social studies, science and PE content teachers to learn strategies for teaching reading using their own curriculum. It's not really a new idea, however, finding ways to do it puts pressure on both veteran and new instructors.

Reading apprenticeship

When I recommend that teachers give commonality to their instruction directions, I'm amazed by the fear and trepidation I find. Some admit they could never do it or flat out pronounce they'll teach content and someone else will have to teach reading.

This academic literacy push has gone on for several years in various states through the funding and involvement of non-profit educational foundations. The focus is on "reading apprenticeship"- the classroom teacher is the master skills person and the students are under apprenticeship. Once a teacher agrees to talk with me, I usually begin by saying, "You are a master at reading in your particular subject area." Next, I assure the master, "You are the best teacher to show your students how to read science, social studies, etc. Think out loud while you read aloud the exact assignment you've given the class to read."

You'd think this would be simple enough, however, it's like asking someone to write down every step in tying their shoes or making a bow. You need to metacognate (think about your own thinking) in a fun, friendly, non-threatening arena and let students get inside your head to see how you think.

Be the master

We teachers take too much for granted when it comes to our students' skills. We also give too little credit to the idea that we are the masters of those very same skills that our students need for success.

Try that same type of thinking aloud while you read and take notes on a reading assignment you've given your students. If you're a math, physical science or social studies teacher, you want students to read the assigned text. Be the master and show them how to read it.

Get specific

Talk out loud just as if your students weren't listening. You are the master reader and will get every detail from the reading they must comprehend - "I have 35 minutes to do this assignment. I should look at the questions first, then go back and check for words in bold print..."

Give thinking out loud a try, it'll be scary at first, but soon you'll hear kids saying, "I didn't know that's what I was supposed to do when he gave me the assignment to read," "Hey, this works!" and "I sure wish someone had told me this before now!"

*Thomasina Mann is a pseudonym for a Teaching K-8 reader.