Signpost Notes

Signpost Notes

What do good readers do?

• Good readers are alert to the signposts that authors provide

• When they see these signposts in their reading they STOP, take NOTICE, and NOTE

• Because of this, they understand what they read better and they understand and appreciate the author's craft as a writer.

Open Ended

Why does the state put up signposts along the road?

Authors provide signposts too!

This is for the same reason: to help you find your way as you read.

Again and Again

• When a word, phrase, object, or situation is mentioned over and over again

• Ask yourself... Why does this keep showing up again and again?

Aha Moment

• When a character suddenly realizes something or figures something out. Usually this changes a characters actions.

• Ask yourself... How might this change things for the character?

Contrast and Contradiction

• When a character says or does something that contradicts (goes against) what he/she has been doing

• A contrast between what we expect and what we observe

• When the character experiences something in contrast with what he/she expects

• Ask yourself... Why is the character doing or feeling that?

Memory Moment

• When the author interrupts the action to tell you a memory

• Ask yourself... Why is this memory so important?

Words of the Wiser

• When a character (usually older or wiser) gives serious advice

• Ask yourself... What is the life lesson? How will this affect the main character?

Multiple Choice

Michael is the greatest basketball player to ever play the game. After winning three champions Michael is at the top of his career and everyone expects he will win his fourth MVP award. Yesterday, Michael called a press conference and suddenly announced his retirement.

• Tough Question

• Word of the Wiser

• Contrast and Contradiction

• Memory Moment

Multiple Choice

As soon as he walked into the house, something wasn’t right. Even though she was usually greeted by the smell of freshly baked cookies, now her grandmother’s house smelled stale and musty. Lucy closed her eyes and imagined what this house was like before her grandmother passed away: warm and cozy, jazz music playing from the radio, and the smell of delicious cookies rising steadily in the oven.

• Tough Question

• Aha Moment

• Again and Again

• Memory Moment

Poll

How do you think signposts are?

• Easy

• Difficult

Poll

How do you understand signposts?

• Don't understand them

• Understand them