1. Let’s “Read with the ‘OBJECT’ in Mind”
Presented at the 2013 Social Studies Conference
Created by: India Martin
Gaston Middle School Social Studies Teacher
martini@northampton.k12.nc.us

2. Examine the objects displayed on the front table. Choose
an object that describes one of the situations below.
• Your overall feelings
• Your day so far about the conference up to
this point
• Your feelings of returning • Your experience as a
to work middle school educator

3. Procedures
1. Divide students into groups
2. Groups decide roles: manager, materials handler, reporter,
recorder (if the task requires someone to write)
3. Groups decide order in which they will discuss (ABC, 123)
4. Group discusses descriptions/properties of objects (do not
read selection yet)
5. Now, read selection. Either everyone reads silently or the
most fluent reader can read while everyone else follows
along.
6. Students make connections to selection using objects and
use evidence from selection to support responses.
Note: Teacher should move around, listen, ask questions to
ensure deep thinking.
7. When finished, students go back to seats; whole class
discussion to assess knowledge/understanding; answer
selection questions; writing activity

4. Reflections about activity
Questions for me

5. Connections to Common Core
• English Language Arts Standards » History/Social Studies-Grade 6-8 »
www.corestandards.org
• Key Ideas and Details
*CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.1 Cite specific textual evidence
to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
*CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.2 Determine the central ideas
or information of a primary or secondary source; provide
an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior
knowledge or opinions.

6. Common Core
• Craft and Structure
*CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.5 Describe how a text presents
information (e.g., sequentially, comparatively, causally).
• Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
*CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.7 Integrate visual
information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs,
videos, or maps) with other information in print and
digital texts.

7. Common Core- 7th Grade Math
• The Number System
Apply and extend previous understandings of
operations with fractions to add, subtract,
multiply, and divide rational numbers
• Expressions and Equations
Use properties of operations to generate equivalent
expressions.
Solve real-life and mathematical problems using
numerical and algebraic expressions and
equations.

8. Common Core- 8th Grade Math
• Geometry
Understand congruence and similarity using
physical models, transparencies, or geometry
software.
Understand and apply the Pythagorean Theorem.
Solve real-world and mathematical problems
involving volume of cylinders, cones and spheres.

9. Other ways to use strategy
1.For higher level students, use words of
objects instead of the tangible objects
2.Use magazine pics or picture cards
3. Project a variety of google images
4. Read as a whole class and provide
students with different objects to discuss
with at least 3-4 ppl while circulating around
the room.

10. Other ways…Cont’d
5.If placing objects at stations around the
room, start students off at the stations based
on their levels (lower level students start at
station with objects that are very easy to
connect; higher level students at the most
thoughtful station)

11. Other ways…Cont’d
6.Have students compete to see how many objects
they can use in a specified time and provide a
small reward
7.As a whole class or in groups, brainstorm
objects that should be added or deleted and
why.
8.Students could do a writing piece or answer
questions that accompany the selection or teacher-
made questions.

12. Other ways…Cont’d
9. Label objects by letters beforehand but don’t
reveal which object is which letter until students
have chosen which letter they will be. Then
students should make connections between the
reading and object.
10.Depending on materials using, have from 3-4
different types of literature at stations. For
example- station 1: a poem, station 2: a short
nonfiction selection, and so on.

13. We have come to the end
• In what ways could this session have
been more helpful?

14. Raffle- Who will be the lucky 5?

15. Evaluation- When you think about
your students and reading, how
much would you say this strategy is
worth?