Assess understanding of a specific topic with the sequential round table comprehension strategy. Sequential round table is a pre or post reading strategy to assess students knowledge on a topic.
Sequential round table alphabet is a reading strategy that uses the alphabet to assess students' knowledge for a specific topic. Students are given a chart divided into 26 squares or rectangles, each square represents one letter of the alphabet.
Objective of the strategy is for students to write a word in each square that connects to the topic. Students are usually given a predetermined amount of time to finish the activity. Sequential round table is great to assess student knowledge and to open discussion in regards to true and false facts for non fiction text.
Pre Reading Strategy
As a pre reading comprehension strategy, write a word on the board. Divide the class into groups of 3 and give each group a sequential round table alphabet template. In their groups, students are to jot down ideas related to the topic under the appropriate letter of the alphabet. Teacher should give an assigned amount of time. Have students who struggle with writing draw a symbol or quick stretch to represent a word. (A hospital sign is a great symbol to represent hospital.)
As a pre reading strategy, this activity provides the teacher with immediate feedback of student knowledge base before they begin learning about the specific topic.
Post Reading Strategy
After students have read about a topic, use the sequential round table alphabet to assess their understanding. Students must think about ideas related to the topic which are based on their readings and previous experiences.
Divide students into pairs to fill out a sequential round table activity sheet. Students will write words associated with the topic. It is beneficial for students to talk with a partner to decide if a word is related to the topic. Good discussions can come out of a student trying to persuade another student with their point of view.
Post reading strategy provides the teacher the main concepts that have been learned and what elements are missing for the specific topic. If only a few students write about an important element of the topic, the teacher can do a mini lesson on this topic. As well, if students are able to complete the activity quickly with much of the information recorded, it is time for an evaluation on the topic.
Sequential Round Table Alphabet Example
Students will fill out the template as an introduction a topic or as an assessment at the end of the unit. As a student fills out the template they are allowed to put more than one word for each letter of the alphabet. Objective is for students to write a word in each category that is associated with the assigned topic.
Topic: Urban Communities
A: apartments
B: buildings
C: cars
D: doctors
E: elevators
F: firefighter
G: garbage
H: hospital
Sequential round table alphabet reading comprehension strategy is not common but it is an excellent tool to assess previous knowledge or to check for understanding for a specific topic. This reading strategy is simple to utilize in any subject from math to social studies.
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