Notice and Note Signposts, introduced by Kylene Beers and Bob Probst, are reading strategies that guide students to identify key moments in texts, fostering deeper engagement and analysis․
Overview of Notice and Note Signposts
The Notice and Note Signposts, developed by Kylene Beers and Robert Probst, are six specific reading strategies designed to help students engage deeply with texts․ These signposts—Contrasts and Contradictions, Aha Moments, Tough Questions, Words of the Wiser, Again and Again, and Memory Moments—act as guideposts to alert readers to significant moments in a story or text․ By teaching students to recognize and respond to these signposts, educators empower them to think critically, question assumptions, and construct meaningful interpretations; The strategies are flexible and can be applied to various genres, fostering a collaborative learning environment where students share insights and build understanding together․ This approach not only enhances close reading skills but also encourages students to connect textual elements to broader themes and ideas․ The Notice and Note framework is widely used in classrooms to promote active reading and deeper comprehension․
The Six Key Signposts in Notice and Note
- Contrasts and Contradictions (CC)
- Aha Moments
- Tough Questions
- Words of the Wiser (WW)
- Again and Again (A)
- Memory Moment (MM)
Contrasts and Contradictions (CC)
Contrasts and Contradictions (CC) occur when a character’s actions, words, or thoughts oppose what is expected, creating tension or surprise․ These moments highlight conflicts or underlying themes, prompting readers to question the author’s intent․ For example, if a character known for kindness acts cruelly, it signals a significant shift or revelation․ Identifying CC encourages students to analyze why the author included such contradictions, deepening their understanding of the text’s meaning and complexity․ This signpost is crucial for developing critical thinking and connecting plot elements to broader themes․
- Examples: A character’s unexpected decision or contradictory statements․
- Questions to ask: Why did the character act this way? What does this reveal about their motivations or the story’s message?
Aha Moments
Aha Moments are instances where a character experiences a sudden realization or insight that changes their perspective or understanding of the situation; These moments are pivotal, often shifting the plot’s direction or revealing deeper truths about the character or story․ Readers should pause to consider how this revelation impacts the character’s development and the overall narrative․ Aha Moments encourage students to reflect on how such epiphanies influence their interpretations of the text and its themes․ By identifying these moments, students can better understand how authors use such insights to drive the story forward and explore complex ideas․
- Example: A character discovers a hidden truth about themselves or their circumstances․
- Questions to ask: How does this moment change the character or the story? What does it reveal about the author’s message?
Tough Questions
Tough Questions occur when characters confront complex or perplexing situations, often voicing their struggles with “I wonder” or “Why” questions․ These moments prompt readers to engage deeply with the text, exploring the underlying themes and motivations․ By identifying these questions, students can unpack the character’s thoughts and the author’s intent, fostering a richer understanding of the narrative․
- Example: A character grapples with a moral dilemma or an unresolved conflict․
- Questions to ask: What is the character questioning? How does this relate to the story’s themes or your own experiences?
Words of the Wiser (WW)
Words of the Wiser (WW) occur when a character, often older or more experienced, shares wisdom, advice, or insights that guide the protagonist or illuminate the story’s themes․ These moments provide clarity or perspective, helping readers understand the narrative’s deeper meaning․ This signpost often appears at pivotal points, influencing the plot or character development․
- Example: A mentor figure offers life lessons or explains a complex situation․
- Questions to ask: What wisdom is being shared? How does this impact the character or story?
Again and Again (A)
The Again and Again (A) signpost highlights repetition of specific words, phrases, or ideas in a text․ This repetition emphasizes key themes, underscores important details, or creates rhythm, guiding readers to focus on what matters most․ Recognizing these patterns helps students uncover the author’s purpose and the text’s central message․
- Example: A character repeatedly mentions a specific object or idea․
- Questions to ask: Why is this repeated? What does it reveal about the story or theme?
Memory Moment (MM)
A Memory Moment (MM) occurs when a character reflects on a past event or memory that holds significance to the plot or their personal development․ These moments often provide insight into the character’s motivations, emotions, or growth, helping readers understand the text more deeply․ Identifying MM signposts allows students to connect past events with present actions, revealing underlying themes or conflicts․
- When a character recalls a past experience that influences their current decisions․
- Questions to ask: Why is this memory important? How does it shape the character’s actions or the story’s direction?
By focusing on these moments, readers gain a richer understanding of the narrative and its complexities․
Implementing Notice and Note in the Classroom
Teachers introduce Notice and Note signposts through modeling, guided practice, and class discussions, fostering a deeper engagement with texts and enhancing students’ critical thinking skills․
Strategies for Introducing the Signposts
Teachers can introduce Notice and Note signposts by modeling each strategy with examples from texts, allowing students to see how the signposts work in context․ Guided practice is essential, where students work in pairs or small groups to identify and discuss signposts․ Creating a bookmark or chart with the six signposts and their definitions provides a handy reference for students․ Instructors should also encourage class discussions, asking open-ended questions to help students connect the signposts to the broader themes of the text․ Additionally, incorporating visual aids like anchor charts or digital slides can reinforce understanding․ By gradually releasing responsibility from teacher-led to student-centered activities, educators can help students become independent in using the signposts to deepen their comprehension and analysis of literature․
Using the Signposts to Enhance Close Reading
The Notice and Note signposts are powerful tools for enhancing close reading by directing students to pause, reflect, and question the text at critical moments․ When students encounter a signpost, such as a contrast or contradiction, they are prompted to analyze why the author included it and what it reveals about the story’s themes or characters․ This process encourages deeper engagement and helps students uncover layers of meaning that might otherwise go unnoticed․ By teaching students to slow down and investigate these signposts, educators empower them to develop a more nuanced understanding of the text․ Regular practice with the signposts fosters habits of close reading, enabling students to approach any text with confidence and insight․
Assessing Student Understanding of the Signposts
Assessments track students’ ability to identify and interpret signposts, ensuring they grasp key concepts and apply them effectively during close reading exercises․
Tracking Progress with Signpost Assessments
Signpost assessments are designed to evaluate students’ ability to identify and interpret the six key signposts in texts․ These assessments ensure students understand how to apply the signposts to support their interpretations․ Teachers can use various tools, such as signpost tracking sheets or bookmarks, to help students record and reflect on their observations․ Regular progress checks allow educators to gauge students’ mastery of each signpost, providing insights into areas where additional instruction or practice may be needed․ By monitoring students’ ability to recognize and analyze these literary elements, teachers can guide them toward deeper comprehension and critical thinking skills․ These assessments also encourage students to develop a systematic approach to reading, making them more confident and independent learners․ Over time, tracking progress helps refine students’ close reading abilities and enhances their overall engagement with texts․
The Notice and Note Signposts have proven to be a transformative tool for enhancing close reading and critical thinking skills in students․ By guiding readers to identify key moments in texts, these signposts foster deeper engagement and comprehension․ Students develop the ability to analyze complex themes, characters, and plot structures, leading to richer interpretations․ The strategies outlined in Beers and Probst’s work empower educators to create a more interactive and meaningful reading experience․ As students master these signposts, they gain confidence in their ability to approach challenging texts independently․ Ultimately, the Notice and Note framework not only improves academic performance but also cultivates lifelong reading habits․ Its impact extends beyond the classroom, preparing students to navigate and interpret the world around them with greater insight and understanding․