Fire Up and Create: A Comprehension Strategy for Sixth Grade Social Studies

As a teacher, having a myriad of teaching strategies to get students fired up about reading is essential. In order to achieve a goal or objective , teaching strategies lay out a set of procedures for students and teachers to follow. The following strategy called CREATE will also enhance writing, sharing, and oral communication.

Using Big Universe’s book entitled India by Lisa Zamosky, teachers can help 6th grade students comprehend the text with ease.

Step One: Compare and Contrast. List similarities and differences among the early invaders of India. What are significant similarities or differences? Which two are the most significant?

Step Two: Relate Personally. What are your feelings about the invasions leading to the creation of Buddhism? How would you feel if a similar occurrence happened in the United States?

Step Three: Evaluate. Of the three Empires discussed in the book, which do you believe to have had the most impact on India? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each Empire?

Step Four: Associate. What words come to mind when you hear “British Rule”? What do you think of when you recall the British Rule of our early settlers in America?

Step Five: Trace or Sequence. Trace the development of India as a country. Sequence the events leading up to its independence.

Step Six: Enumerate. List the causes of India’s revolt against British Rule. List the facts regarding India’s independence.