Why do we Synthesize/Evaluate?

• Our thinking evolves
• We infer
• We connect to a larger and more meaningful whole by finding the “big idea”
• To see relationships between ideas ~ do we agree or disagree with the author?  Why?
• Makes the reading more memorable

When do we Synthesize/Evaluate?

• When there is something to think about, such as an unfamiliar point of view, new information, a new theme
• When making connections
• Before, during and after reading
• Before:  What connections am I making?  What does the author want to teach me?  What is the message going to be?  What am I thinking?
• During:  Now what do I wonder?  What are my connections?   How have my opinions, ideas, feelings, and thoughts about the characters, ideas, or problems in the reading change?
• After:  What did the authors want me to learn?  What was the theme?  How have my ideas, thoughts, and feelings about the characters, ideas, or problems change?  What visual images will I remember?  What thought will I take with me?

How do we Synthesize/Evaluate? 

• By filling in these blanks:

1. At first I thought but now I think . . . .
2. At first I felt but now I feel . . . .
3. I have been changed by this text in this way. . . .
4. From reading this text I will remember. . . .
5. The theme in this text was. . . .
6. An “aha” I got from the reading was. . . .
7. A light bulb went on in my head and I realized. . . .
8. My opinion on this topic now is. . . .
9. I will remember the visual I built in my mind for. . . .
10. I now agree/disagree with the author because. . . .
11. I feel the author’s style is. . . .

• Start by synthesizing fables
• Use your schema or background knowledge
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