X+Marks+the+Spot

 **Rationale:** I chose this strategy because I wanted my students to be able to point out information that was new or interesting, something that was confusing, and a key point within a text. I want my readers to be thinking while reading and not just reading the words on the page but understanding what they are reading. This is a good way to get them engaged and thinking about the text.  This strategy has been used in a 2nd grade special education reading classroom. It consists of three students who reading ability range from end of first grade to beginning of second grade. All these students have attention difficulties so staying on task and remembering information is difficult.
 * X Marks the Spot **
 * Courses Implemented:**

**Diverse Learners:** This strategy reaches diverse learners because it is visual, allows for movement from the student, and has the codes for the students to use. On my codes I use different emotions to show how they are feeling while using the codes. Students enjoy talking about what they found and helping out their peers who struggled with a part. It allows for discussion between peers and not so much on the teacher. They learn how to interact with each other and have a discussion.

**Procedure:**  **Potential Issues:** If the students are not given specifics on how many points they need to find, they may not mark any. Some students may have difficulties finding information in the text to use the codes. The teacher may need to look at the book choice or level if that is the case. Some students may be more worried about putting the codes on rather than reading the text for comprehension. **References: ** Stephens, EC., & Brown, JE. (2005). //A handbook of content literacy strategies: 125 practical reading and writing ideas//. Norwood, MA: Christopher-Gordon Publishers, Inc
 * I told the students about the new strategy and introduced to them the coding system that was going to be used for this strategy.
 * The code is as follows: X= key point; != interesting or new information, ?= confusing and was posted in the classroom so the students had a reference while reading.
 * Students would have multiple copies of each code so that they could place them throughout the book.
 * I modeled how we used the codes and then had the students try it out with assistance from me.
 * I told them when they got to one of the codes to stick it on the page and to continue reading.
 * I tell them they have to use at least one of each coding system but are welcome to use more.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; font-size: 10pt;">At the end of class we discussed the codes and what the students had found out.