Making Connections Worksheet

What Is It?

As we read, we are connecting our prior knowledge with the text. This will help us
improve our comprehension by making better sense of what we are reading. We will also
retain (remember) what we read better, when connecting it with something we know.

How Do We Use It?

• We connect with something we have previously read/heard (it reminds us of a book).

• We connect with something we already know about ourselves (it reminds us of a

time we…).

• We connect with something we already know about (it reminds us of something that
happens in the world).

These task card activities are best used in pairs or small groups. Read through them
and think about the connections you can make with them. Share with your partner or
the group.

It could be:

Having done something similar in your life.

Read a book or watched a film like it.

Seen or heard about something like that which happens in the world.

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 Making Connections Worksheet

Activity Card One

I was only nine when my parents woke me up to tell me the news of the war. It was the
middle of the night. Pitch black, quiet. The war had been building and we had all had our
fingers crossed it would not happen. Luck had run out. They told my sister and I to get a
jumper and shoes. We were going to the shelter. We had talked about what we would do
if the raids started, now it was time to act. We were all scared and worried. Although my
parents did not show it, my sister and I did.

What connections can you make with the text? Use the three categories.

• Your own life

• Another book or movie

• The real world

Activity Card Two

I lay in bed shaking. The covers were pulled right up to my ears. Flashes of lightning
came through my curtains, sending my imagination running wild. The flashes were
quickly followed by the rumbling roughness of thunder, making me jump in my bed.

What connections can you make with the text? Use the three categories.

• Your own life

• Another book or movie

• The real world

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 Making Connections Worksheet

Activity Card Three

It was my 10th birthday. My parents had started negotiations about a big party or some
money. I chose the party. You see, I have never had a big birthday party before. My
parents have always organised smaller ones with the whānau - saying that a big party
will be saved for a milestone birthday. I never really understood what a milestone was
and how it relates to a birthday? I don't want to sound spoiled, because the small parties
are always cool, really nice. But the idea of a big bash with all my friends is awesome.
Big cake, a certain song, all just for me. Lots of party food too. It was time to make some
birthday memories.

What connections can you make with the text? Use the three categories.

• Your own life

• Another book or movie

• The real world

Activity Card Four

What a tiring day it was. I needed to get to sleep fast because it was looking like another
busy day at school tomorrow. How I'd love to sleep in. I think I was asleep before my
head hit the pillow. My eyes slowly adjusted to the new day. I flopped my head to its
side, revealing a clock which read 8 o'clock. How did I sleep in? Instant panic took hold
of me. Late! Out of bed, pull the curtains, blink my eyes twenty times. Snow? Thick, soft,
powdery snow. Mum pops her head into my doorway, "school is closed today,” she smiles.
They are the best four words I have ever heard.

What connections can you make with the text? Use the three categories.

• Your own life

• Another book or movie

• The real world

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 Making Connections Worksheet

Activity Card Five

The hot sun shone down on us as we made our way to the lake. It was a magical
spot. Green pine trees, mountains in the distance and the uninterrupted noise of birds
chattering away. It must have been 30 degrees, maybe even more. We arrived at the
lake. I threw my towel by the edge of the water and charged in at full steam. Wow! Oh
wow, that was cold. As quickly as I was in, I was out. The water was freezing. Chills ran
through me like I had swallowed an ice cream whole. I grabbed my towel and hugged
myself warm.

What connections can you make with the text? Use the three categories.

• Your own life

• Another book or movie

• The real world

Activity Card Six

We didn't live close to the beach, so it was exciting whenever my parents said we were
going. We packed our stuff and hit the road. Unfortunately, it was one of those days when
the rest of the population also decided to go to the beach. Traffic was heavy and slow. It
was hot. I kept my mouth closed - no moaning from me. Finally, we arrived. I took off my
jandals and felt instantly relaxed as my feet walked across the warm soft sand.

What connections can you make with the text? Use the three categories.

• Your own life

• Another book or movie

• The real world

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