Vera Williams’ “A Chair for My Mother” is a touching story that resonates deeply with young readers. Its themes of family, community, and resilience make it an ideal choice for guided reading sessions. This resource provides a comprehensive framework for exploring the book’s rich layers, enhancing comprehension, and fostering a love for reading.
Before Reading: Setting the Stage
Before diving into the story, it’s beneficial to activate students’ prior knowledge and build schema. A “Give One, Get One” activity focused on saving money can spark discussion about financial literacy and the value of shared goals. This collaborative activity encourages students to share their own experiences and learn from others, establishing a foundation for understanding the family’s motivation in the book.
During Reading: Uncovering Meaning
As you read “A Chair for My Mother” with your students, focus on key comprehension strategies.
- Vocabulary Enrichment: Introduce key vocabulary words before reading, using a vocabulary organizer and cards to aid understanding. Encourage students to use the words in context as they encounter them in the story.
- Story Elements Exploration: Use a story elements flapbook to identify and analyze the characters, setting, plot, and theme. This hands-on activity helps students visualize the story’s structure and relationships between different elements.
Alt text: Story elements flapbook activity for “A Chair for My Mother”, featuring sections for Characters, Setting, Plot, and Theme.
- Cause and Effect Analysis: Explore the cause-and-effect relationships within the story. Help students identify the reasons behind the family’s actions and the consequences of those actions. This activity encourages critical thinking and deeper understanding of the narrative.
- Visualizing Through Text Details: Guide students to create mental images based on the author’s descriptions. Encourage them to use specific details from the text to visualize the characters, setting, and events.
- Questioning and Responding: Utilize question task cards to prompt critical thinking and discussion. Students can record their responses on a separate page, reinforcing their comprehension and analytical skills.
After Reading: Reflecting and Extending
After reading “A Chair for My Mother,” it’s important to consolidate learning and extend the experience.
- Summarizing the Main Idea: Have students summarize the main idea of the story in their own words. This activity reinforces their ability to identify the central message and key details.
- Class Book: Many Hands Make Light Work: Create a class book based on the theme of community support. Each student can contribute a page illustrating how they can help others, connecting the story’s message to their own lives.
Alt text: “A Chair for My Mother” comprehension task cards, designed to prompt critical thinking and discussion about the story.
Teacher Testimonials
Teachers who have used “A Chair for My Mother” in their classrooms rave about its effectiveness.
- One buyer shared, “This worked well for my class. I really liked the story elements flipbook… The unit made planning easy for me and it worked well for my kids.”
- Christine R. commented, “These activities were wonderful additions for our close read of the book.”
- Sara H. appreciated the availability of both written and digital copies, stating, “Thank you for providing both written and digital copies, I have students who can utilize both options!”
- Ilene B. simply stated, “Great resource. My kids loved it.”
Conclusion
“A Chair for My Mother” provides a valuable opportunity to explore important themes and develop essential reading comprehension skills. By using a guided reading approach and incorporating engaging activities, educators can help students connect with the story on a deeper level and foster a lifelong love of reading. Consider implementing these strategies in your classroom and witness the positive impact it has on your students’ learning journey. This book encourages discussions about empathy, community, and the importance of family, offering valuable life lessons alongside literacy development.
