Notice and Note SignpostsEssential Question: What do good readers do?

STOP and Notice and NoteWhen you’re reading and a

character says or does something that’s opposite (contradicts) what he has been saying or doing all along. You should stop and ask yourself:◦“Why is the character doing that?”

The answers could help you make a prediction or make an inference about the plot and conflict.

1. Contrasts and ContradictionsWhat is the Signpost?

Clues to the Signpost

What it helps us understand

A sharp contrast between what we expect and what we observe the character doing.

-A character behaves in a way we don’t expect.-An element of the setting changes in a way we don’t expect.

-Character development-Internal conflict (the character’s stuggles)-Theme-Relationship between setting and plot

Example:Chrysanthemum loves her name, then hates her name.

Explanation: She comes home after school “wilted” and sad. Then her parents boost her spirits up again.

-Develops character, she’s still young and can be easily peer pressured or bullied. Unsure of herself-Possible theme (never give up who you are; don’t let anyone tell you who you can or cannot be)

Deep Questions to ask when you Spot a Contrast and Contradiction

Does this C&C show me a new side of the character? Is it something that he has been hiding from us or does it show us that the character changed?

Does it tell us about the differences between individuals or groups? (could be a conflict arising)

Is the contrast what you would expect for the setting or could it be showing you some unique feature of the setting?

Is the contrast between what the character wants to achieve and what he actually does or discovers? (We could be learning about the theme)

Is the contradiction between what the character does and says? (learning about character and inner conflict)

Does the contradiction show the character making an important decision or doing something that surprises you? (Theme)

Aha MomentWhen you’re reading and suddenly a

character realizes, understands, or finally figures something out.

STOP and ask yourself:◦“How might this change things?”

If the character just figured out the problem, you probably just learned the conflict.

If the character just understood a life lesson, you probably just learned the theme.

Aha MomentWhat is the Signpost?

Clues to the Signpost

What it helps us understand

A character’s realization about something that shifts his actions or his understandings of himself, others, or the world around him

Phrases like:“Suddenly I understood…”“In an instant I knew”“The realization hit me that…”

-Character development-Internal conflict (the character’s stuggles)-Plot

Example: Explanation:

The 3 kinds of AHA Moments1. When the character suddenly

realizes what his problem is. 2. When the character sees the

pathway to the resolution of the conflict or the solution of the problem.

3. When the character comes to a broader understanding that might be seen as a lesson for life and possibly the theme of the book.

Question BrainstormEasy questions to ask yourself:

Tough questions to ask yourself:

Tough QuestionsWhen you’re reading and the

character asks himself a really difficult question.

You should stop and ask yourself:◦“What does this question make me

wonder about?”The answers will tell you about

the conflict and might give you ideas about what will happen later in the story.

Tough QuestionsWhat is the Signpost?

Clues to the Signpost

What it helps us understand

Questions a character raises that reveal his or her inner struggles

Phrases expressing doubt or confusion:“What could I possibly do…”“I had never been so confused about…”“How could she ever understand…”

-Character development-Internal conflict (the character’s stuggles)-Theme

Example:

What you should ask yourself when you see a Tough Question1. How would I react in the character’s

situation? 2. What alternatives does the character

seem to have in answering the question?3. What values will help the character make

his or her choice (concern for other people, desire for wealth, determination to appear courageous, something else)?

4. What would happen if the character made this choice, instead of that one?

Words of the WiserWhen you’re reading and a

character (who’s probably older and lots wiser) takes the main character aside and gives serious advice, you should stop and ask yourself:◦“What’s the life lesson, and how

might it affect the character?”Answering this question probably

tells you the theme for the story.

Words of the WiserWhat is the Signpost?

Clues to the Signpost

What it helps us understand

The advice or insight of a wiser character (usually older).

Main character and wise character are usually having conversation by themselves.Quiet moment.Advice about a problem or decision.

-Theme-Internal conflict-Relationship between character and plot

Example:

Again & AgainWhen you’re reading and you

notice a word, phrase, object, or situation mentioned over and over, you should stop and ask yourself:◦“Why does this keep showing up

again and again?”This may tell you about the

conflict, theme, and may foreshadow what might happen later.

Again and AgainWhat is the Signpost?

Clues to the Signpost

What it helps us understand

Events, images, or particular words that repeat over a portion of the story.

Repeated.Sometimes used in an odd way to make a point.

-Plot -Setting-Symbolism-Theme-Character Development-Conflict

Example:

Memory MomentWhen you’re reading and the

author interrupts the action to tell you a memory, you should stop and ask yourself:◦“Why might this memory be

important?”The answers can tell you about

the theme, conflict, or foreshadow what might happen later in the story.

Memory MomentWhat is the Signpost?

Clues to the Signpost

What it helps us understand

When a character remembers something that interrupts the story. Sometimes a flashback.

The story stops for several paragraphs or more while the character remembers a scene.

-Character development-Plot-Theme-Relationship between character and plot

Example:

What should we do when we get to a Signpost? ASK…Why is the character doing that?How might this change things?What does this question make

me wonder?What’s the life lesson and how

might it affect the character?Why does this keep happening?Why is this important?