Anticipation Guides
Reading
comprehension is tied closely to what the reader brings to the page – what the
reader knows before reading. When students struggle with comprehension, it
is most often because they lack prior knowledge or do not activate it. Stephanie Harvey and Harvey Daniels will tell
you that, “most “reading difficulties” are really prior knowledge problems.”
Anticipation Guides act as a pre-reading strategy and provide opportunities for students to
explore their own thoughts about issues before reading. I find they tend to be more engaged
when reading the text. Once students have completed the guide, ask them to
share their reactions. Usually there
will be some very lively discussions!
Ask students to
look at their original responses after reading. The reading may have changed their responses
by strengthening their original position or make them question that position.
When putting
together an Anticipation Guide, look for the controversial issues, big ideas or
themes in the text. You don’t need a lot
of items. Kylene Beers says two items
that encourage discussion are better than ten items that inspire little debate.
The following is an Anticipation Guide for The Diary of Anne Frank:
Read each statement and write agree or disagree in the
blank.
BEFORE
AFTER
___________
Hiding people that the government says ____________
are criminals is wrong.
___________ If
you have limited food and limited space and ____________
are
trying hard to make sure your family survives,
you shouldn’t be expected to take in other people
who
will make your supplies disappear even faster.
___________
People who do cruel things can still be good ____________
people.
(Beers, 2003)
Blank Anticipation Guide templates can be found on the AdLit site. Click here to get blank templates.
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