SWBS
“Somebody, Wanted, But, So” is a summarizing strategy where students breakdown stories into those four components. Students fill out each column listing the characters, motivations, plot points, and resolutions.
Somebody: Brooks.
Wanted: To read a comic book.
But: He had to do his homework.
So. He read the comic book, failed the class, and lived in a dumpster.
More can be added to the format such as “then,” or the wording can be altered to fit a particular subject.
This was talked about at the very last Strategic Reading workshop I attended, and a lot of the veteran teachers had not heard of this, but it made a huge impression on every one. I’m glad to see it used in Beers, so I have a handy, easy to use, and easy to reference guide when I make some attempts to utilize this next year. It breaks everything down nicely and I like how Beers used “The Necklace” as an example since it was a story we read last year. Then she had the students make one for each of the main characters and how it inspired the students to debate. I’m already formulating plans to use this if the students do their reading for homework or after reading in class or the next day…
Glad to hear that you plan to use this strategy and you have a good example for students too. How might you modify it so that it is more hands-on and active for your afternoon group who can't sit still?
ReplyDeleteI could put chart paper up around the room, each labeled SWBS, each group has a different marker, and they could add to the list as they go around.
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