Have you ever wondered what’s happening in your brain while your are reading to turn all these weird symbols into meaning? Check out this reading mini spark to learn more about this process.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your language arts mini spark recording page: #20: Open a Book

2. Reading is something you’re doing effortlessly right now. Ever wondered how your brain turns symbols into meaning? This video will help you rediscover the amazing process of reading.

3. After watching this video, choose 5 of these questions to respond to on your recording page. Each response should be at least 2 sentences. Remind your teacher that the answer key is in the reading mini spark folder.

1. What secret does Joe mention about how we read?
2. How do rounded letters differ from flat-topped letters in terms of height?
3. Explain the “Müller-Lyer illusion” and how it relates to letter recognition.
4. What is the “paradox of reading” that Dr. Erica Brozovsky discusses?
5. Describe the concept of “neural recycling” as explained in the video.
6. How do our eyes gather information when we read, according to the video?
7. What is the “Word Superiority Effect,” and why is it important in understanding reading?
8. Discuss the role of the fovea and parafovea in reading. How do they contribute to our ability to recognize words?
9. How does the brain process the shapes of letters and words according to the video?
10. What happens in our brains when we recognize a word, as described by Joe in the video?

4. Read this article about benefits reading. List your top 3 on the recording sheet.

5. On your recording sheet write title of the book you’re currently reading and write about your opinion about the book at this time. Support your decision with 3 specific examples and 3 details.

6. Share your language arts mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.