A toolkit is defined as a set of tools designed to be used together or for a particular purpose.
Something that helps make a job or task easier. It’s so important to always have the right tools for the job.
Scrapbookers have their overabundance of supplies to make just the right page for every occasion or set of pictures that will make other scrapbookers envious.
Painters have all the right tools to make the job of painting easier and more effective. Think about what would happen to their painting business if they did not have the right tools to complete a job they were hired to do. They probably would not get good reviews and would not be recommended to others.
Auto mechanics have all the right tools to take cars and engines apart and put them back together, so they run faster, louder or stronger. Whatever their preference. Think about the Indy 500… What if the pit crew didn’t have the right tools to get the job done? Would their team even be in contention?
Readers are the same! Readers need the right tools to get the job done effectively and efficiently!
Reading Is A Complex Process
When we take the process and break it down into smaller more manageable pieces, readers who are developing their skill set can wrap their heads around each little piece of the process. Then they will eventually be able to connect all the pieces together and build their comprehension repertoire of skills—their toolkit!
Pictured above is the Reading Toolkit Starter Pack.
So, let’s get to a reader’s toolkit! What would be included…
The Reader’s Toolkit
First, I think the most important tool in a reader’s toolkit is their Reader’s Notebook! The reading notebook holds all the reader’s thinking, tips, tricks, strategies, goals and his or her whole readerly life. The best mechanic has a toolkit. The best chef has all the necessary cooking tools within an arm’s reach. So, why shouldn’t every reader have the same!
What goes in The Reader’s Toolkit?
A Reader’s Toolkit is developed over time. It’s not just a computer program thrown at kids with a bunch of questions about reading that the reader may or may not have done. A Reader’s Toolkit is a collection of strategies (tools) that a reader can grab to help them meet their purpose for reading a text.
The Reader’s Toolkit should be packed over time. Readers should receive the right tool at the right time depending on the job they are doing (or learning). So, what tools (or strategies) will help the reader take care of the job. It could be a variety of options.
Readers don’t need expensive tools to help build their reading repertoire of skills. Readers could use...
content stuffed bookmarks,
graphic organizers,
think sheets,
visual representations and
mini anchor charts
✅ Sometimes readers need questions or thinking stems.
✅ Sometimes readers need an organizer to map out their thoughts.
✅ Sometimes readers need a quick reference to the task like a mini anchor chart or shared reading experience.
✅ Sometimes readers need a visual representation of the concept they are working on at the time.
When a Reading Tool breaks the abstract reading concept into a smaller, more digestible chunk, the reading process seems a little easier and readers are better equipped to connect those pieces together to build strong comprehension skills.
With tools like these in a Reader’s Toolkit, the job of learning to read and reading to learn could become just a bit easier.
Until next time...
Reading tools pictured above can be purchased individually here in the Literacy Treasures Shop, click here to visit.