This group was comprised of 5 students, all of them had been in this classroom for the year prior and needed to read a book separate from the rest of the class – the sequel to “Because of Mr. Terupt.” “Mr. Terupt Falls Again” is a book that focuses on a lot of the trials of growing up, as well as quite a few other conflicts and resolutions.

These students and I read through the entire book, having discussions every few pages – questions ranged from basic yes/no questions to extensions beyond the text to connections to self.

Students responded in discussion as well as having written responses.

“Mr. Terupt Falls Again,” is a book that is recommended for use by Adrienne Gear, and therefore the accompanying questions were based around connecting, visualizing, transforming, inferring, and questioning. This was the basis of the discussions, and then students were encouraged to give their connections throughout.

Reading this book, in this setting, allowed students to voice all of their opinions which was a fantastic look into how students were able to summarize and reflect before reading, connect, question, and infer while reading, and then recapitulate after reading, giving further questions!

The culmination was a short skit where the students played out a scene from the book. This scene was based on how gateway drugs can affect those around you, and the teacher in the book helping one of his students find help. My students used care and compassion with this subject, and I was extremely impressed with their efficacy.

Core Competency: Communicating

Facet: Acquiring and presenting information

Profile: I share my ideas and try to connect them with others’ ideas. I am an active listener – I make connections and ask clarifying and extending questions when appropriate.

First Peoples Principles of Learning: Learning involves patience and time. 

Big Idea:

  • Exploring stories and other texts helps us understand ourselves and make connections to others and to the world. (5)

Curricular Competency:

  • Use a variety of comprehension strategies before, during, and after reading, listening, or viewing to deepen understanding of text. (5)

Content:

  • Strategies and processes:
    • reading strategies (thinking, connecting, transforming, inferring) (5)