HMH Notice and Note Signposts

When a character says or does something that’s the opposite of what you expect.

• Memory Moment

• Aha Moment

• Contrast and Contradiction

• Tough Question

When the character asks himself a really difficult question.

• Aha Moment

• Contrast and Contradiction

• Words from the Wiser

• Tough Question

When a character realizes, understands, or finally figures something out.

• Aha Moment

• Memory Moment

• Again and Again

• Rising Action

When a character (who’s probably older and lots wiser) takes the main character aside and gives serious advice.

• Again and Again

• Words from the Wiser

• Aha Moment

• Tough Question

When you notice a word, phrase, object, or situation mentioned over and over.

• Contrast and Contradiction

• Tough Question

• Again and Again

• Aha Moment

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

• Aha Moment

• Contrast and Contradiction

• Memory Moment

• Again and Again

How does noticing signposts help us as readers?

• So we don't go over the speed limit.

• So we can have a deeper understanding of what we read.

• So we don't fail language arts.

• So my teacher won't be made at me.

Which signpost occurs when you are reading and suddenly a character realizes, understands, or finally figures something out?

• Tough Questions

• Aha Moment

• Again and Again

• Memory Moment

When a wise character - who is often older than the main character - shares his or her understanding, insight, or advice on an issue or topic, which signpost is the author using?

• Tough Questions

• Aha Moment

• Contrasts and Contradictions

• Words of the Wiser

When you notice and note the Words of the Wiser signpost, which anchor question do you have to answer?

• Why would the character act this way?

• What does this question make me wonder about?

• Why does this keep showing up again and again?

• What's the life lesson, and how might it affect the character?