Synthesizing

__**Overview**__ In this chapter McGregor goes on to explain while we are reading, we are constantly taking in information, adding it to old information already stored in our brains, and then making relationships between the two, or as she calls it, "a natural evolution of thought." Synthesis can be taught in every subject area and is one of the more challenging reading strategies for teachers to teach and for students to grasp, however, is essential in order to prepare students for their futures.
 * CHAPTER 8: SYNTHESIZING **

__**Terminology**__ Synthesizing is all about fusing our learning, unlearning, and relearning. It's about valuing the process of our learning, becoming reflective thinkers, remembering where we came from and where we're going.

__**Concrete Experience: Nesting Dolls**__ Line nesting dolls out in a row. Pose this question: How could these nesting dolls represent your thinking? Possible responses: Then slowly put the dolls back together starting with the smallest until the largest stands alone. Pose question again: Compare this model to your thinking. Possible responses: Leave nesting dolls out as a reminder of our changing thinking.
 * The bigger I get, the bigger my thinking gets.
 * When I read new information, I just add it to the stuff I already know.
 * Big ideas are made up of little ideas.
 * We hold all our thinking inside of us.

Think of synthesizing as a spring or coil. The original thinking is central with new thoughts and information adding new rings as you read. Visuals for Kids
 * __Sensory Exercise: Spiraling Out of Control!__**
 * spiral slides
 * spiral notebooks
 * spiral lollipops
 * cinnamon rolls
 * Wonka Everlasting Gobstoppers
 * snowballs rolling down a mountain
 * writing thoughts down in a spiral about what you read (example: poem titled "Snow Day")

Sing a song of synthesis: "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly" (song and rhyme)media type="custom" key="3637289"


 * __Thinking Stems:__**
 * Now I understand why...
 * I'm changing my mind about...
 * I used to think__, but now I think__...
 * My new thinking is...
 * I'm beginning to think...

Graphic novels have become a godsend to reluctant readers and the wordless variety are especially beneficial for the teaching of synthesizing. New, important information is presented in almost every frame, with each illustration forcing the reader to combine new thinking. Fast readers who do not comprehend are forced to slow down as they synthesize the symbols, expressions, settings, and thought bubbles of the characters.
 * __Wordless Books: Go Graphic__**

Great graphic novels to start with: the Owly series by Andy Runton
 * //Owly: Flying Lessons//
 * //Owly: Just a Little Blue//
 * //Owly: The Way Home and the Bittersweet Summer//
 * //Owly: Breakin' the Ice//
 * //Owly: Splashing Around//

I thought this chapter was full of insightful information. It provided many practical activities to do within your own classroom to model using the strategy of synthesis. I agree with McGregor in that synthesizing is one of the more difficult strategies to teach and for students to learn. I have found, however, that graphic novels are a great motivator for struggling readers and agree that using the Owly series is an excellent way to teach synthesizing to reluctant and/or enthusiatic readers.
 * __Personal Response__**