Making Text To Self Connections

T -> S I've felt sad before, just like Lilly in Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse.

We have spent several weeks on making Text To Self Connections. What does that mean?

When we make connections we are actually activating our schema.  We read a book and something in the book reminds us of something we have done before.  This is called a T-> S (Text to Self) Connection.  The students write their connections on sticky notes or in their Reader's Workshop notebooks on graphic organizers. If you child is practicing making connections at home to help to improve their reading comprehension please make sure the connection explains how it is connected to the book.  For example, instead of just saying “I’ve eaten ice cream before,” a  better connection would be “I’ve eaten ice cream before, just like Harry in Horrible Harry.” 

Making meaningful connections allows a child to remember a story because it "connects" to them.