Methods to assess back ground knowledge

for 7th graders in the area of reading and literature.

 

1-      Have students write a paragraph about:

The summer

Hobbies

Vacation, ect

Then have them take colored pencils and pick out facts (blue).  Write a sentence for each important fact (red).  Then in another color rewrite the facts in summary form.

 

2-      Use photo’s that would interest 7th graders such as;

sports, pets,

travel, movie starts,

mall shopping, ect.. 

Have them write a paragraph about the picture “or” list as many words they can about the picture.  Take these lists and assess spelling.

 

3-      Have students pick an object from the room:

Desk, lamp, blackboard,

Pencil, window, ect.

            Ask why this object is like them?

If I could change places with this object, what would I see, hear, smell, ect.?  This would get their creativity juices flowing and would be fun.

 

4-      Create an interest inventory for reading and literature by asking questions and having them respond to them.

·        Do you like to read?

·        What kinds of books do you like to read?

·        When is the last time you read a book?

·        What is the last book you read?

·        Did you understand all the words in the last book you read?

·        What is your favorite thing to read about?

·        When I have time to read for fun, I read__________.  When I’m required to read, I read__________. I really dislike reading_________.

·        I enjoy__________ however, I love to_____________.

·        My favorite subject in school is_______ but, I really dislike___________.

·        My favorite thing in the world is__________.  I don’t like __________and I hate__________.

·        My hobbies are:___________________________________________.

·        I like to spend time___________ and I have to make time for _________.

·        I like to write about__________ but, it kills me to write about_________.

·        When I finish school I want to__________, and travel to ____________, to see___________.

·        My favorite TV programs are:_______________.  I dislike ___________.

·        I would like to learn more about___________.  And spend more time in school______________.