Lesson 1: Problem and Solution Chart
Academic Standards Addressed: 3.2.3. Students will show understanding by identifying answers in a text.
Description: Have the students fill out the chart below on every reading they do.
Why it's effective: This chart would help the students organize their thoughts, and see the different steps involved in a problem and solution. It would be easier for students since it is their own thoughts broken up for them, so identifying a problem would be as simple as checking back on the chart.
The FIST strategy is a reading comprehension strategy. It will engage students, and get them more involved in their reading assignment. It works well with students on their own, or at the class level, but it especially helpful for students that need some extra support in their reading process. It forces them to slow down and focus more on each paragraph. They have to come up with a question and find the answer.
First sentence in the paragraph is read.
Indicate a question based on information in the first sentence.
Search for the answer to the question.
Tie the answer to the question with a paraphrase.
Here’s an example of FIST in action:
Then all at once the wind stopped its howling. The pace began to slow down. Sophie could feel the Giant’s feet pounding once again over the Earth. She poked her head up out of the blanket to have a look. They were in a country of thick forests and rushing rivers. The Giant had definitely slowed down and was now running more normally, although normal is a silly word to use to describe a galloping giant.
Question based on first sentence read: “Where is the wind howling?”
Answer tied to question and paraphrased: “thick forest”
Page by: Jessica Stephens