The+Last+Word

Save the Last Word... for ME! is a processing strategy that helps students construct meaning for a reading experience. Students take an active stance in their reading, asking questions, and looking for points of agreement or disagreement as they interact with other readers to discuss their reading topic.
 * The Last Word**


 * After reading a text, students prepare a "Last Word" card, writing their favorite passage from the text on the front of the card and why they liked it on the back.
 * In small groups, students take turns reading the quotations on their cards, allowing other members of the group to respond, and then reading their "last words" from the back of the card.

! Multiple copies of a text OR Multiple readings on the same topic ! 3 X 5 cards or slips of scrap paper
 * Materials need for this strategy:**

1. Each student individually reads the text 2 As the students read, they write on the first side of the 3X5 cards (or slips of paper) any segments of the text, words, phrases, or sentences that catch their attention. These segments can be quotes or ideas they find interesting and want to discuss later. **Students should record the page number of that segment.** 3. On the other side of the card, the students writes out what they want to say about each quote or phrase they selected. This can be questions, points of agreement or disagreement. 4. Once they have completed the reading, put students in small groups to share their cards. 5. Before the group discussion students go through their cards and put them in order from most important to least important in terms of their desire to discuss them. (If in the process of sharing someone else uses the same quote, the person who has not yet share will choose the next quote on his/her list. 6. Each student reads the quote to the group. The other members of the group react to what was read. The student who read the quote then has the last word about why that segment was chosen basing the remarks on what he/she wrote on the back of the 3x5 card or on classroom discussion.
 * Procedure:**

[|Save The Last Word For Me]