Using Symbols

Students annotate a text using a set of symbols to record personal reactions, then compare responses in groups.

Procedure

1. Introduce a set of symbols for annotating texts. Suggested symbols:
   • check = I agree with this
   • X = I disagree with this
   • ? = I don't understand fully
   • ^ = I need/want more explanation
   • <-> = Compare this to...
   • ! = This is surprising/shocking
   • lol = This is funny
2. Display the symbols on the classroom wall for ongoing reference.
3. Lead in to the reading text in the usual way.
4. Ask learners to read and annotate the text using the symbols.
5. Learners compare and explain their responses in small groups.
6. Develop a whole-class discussion comparing how learners responded.

Tips

• Works best with texts that are likely to elicit a range of opinions and attitudes.
• Where learners use the "need more explanation" symbol, encourage them to follow up and find the information from alternative sources — especially easy with online reading.
• The ? and ^ symbols allow readers to consider inadequacies in the writing as a cause of difficulty, rather than always blaming their own language ability.
• The comparison symbol encourages learners to make links to existing knowledge — a key part of the comprehension process.
• Encourage learners to invent their own symbols (e.g., one student created a symbol for "this makes me angry").
• Can be used alongside other reading tasks (e.g., comprehension questions) and repeated across lessons.