--- title: The Spinner --- # The spinner Non-fiction ## The spinner #### Group discussion before reading #### Preparation: Before the lesson, model how to use the spinner. Always read the text yourself before reading it to the students.   - Tell the students that by using the spinner they will examine their thoughts before reading a fiction text.   - Tell them that by increasing pre-reading comprehension, it is easier to grasp a text and create an overview of the text to be read. This pre-reading brainstorm does not follow a particular order and the questions come at random.    You can make a spinning wheel with the following questions or use a digital spinner:   - *What is the name of the text and what type of text is it?*  - *What do you already know about the topic? *  - *What headings are in the text? Do these headings give you any clues as to what the text will be about?*  - *Read the first sentences under each heading. What do they say? *  - *Are there pictures, diagrams, maps? What information do they give us? *  - *How does the text end? Summary? Questions? *  When reading and reflecting together, it is a good idea to use a large spinner so that students can see it. There are also digital tools available. You can use this ready-made spinner or create your own via the link:   [Non-fiction spinner](https://wordwall.net/resource/31812345) (opens in a new tab) [![The spinner Non-fiction](https://teaching.lexplore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/The%20spinner%201%20Non-fiction.png?width=280&height=280&name=The%20spinner%201%20Non-fiction.png)](https://wordwall.net/resource/31812345/non-fiction-spinner)  #### **Procedure:** Display the text on a large screen if you can, and let the students also have the text in front of them. Explain to pupils that with the help of the spinner, they are going to think about the text BEFORE reading it. While discussing the questions the spinner lands on, model looking at the title, front cover, headings, pictures, and captions.  - Spin the wheel and see which question the arrow lands on.   - Let students have time to think, let them test their thinking with a peer, and then raise some reflections with the whole class.   - If pupils find it difficult to reflect, guide them by thinking aloud about the questions.   #### **Spin the wheel again and repeat!** Conclude by reflecting aloud on the use of the spinner before reading a text like this. Show that you found out a lot without even reading the whole text. You have built up an understanding of what the text will be about, and you can choose to read all or parts of the text that you find interesting.   Once the students feel comfortable using the spinner, they can use it as they read a non-fiction text individually or in pairs. --- Back to Lesson plans and exercises