Making Connections

Question

Think about the last book you read. What connections can you make between this book and your own life

Answer 1

I am currently reading Lee Child's "Die Trying" story with Jack Reacher as the main character.

I love Child's Jack Reacher series because I also relate with Reacher in the sense that I have often been misunderstood by others.

This can be a terribly lonely and difficult way to live life; however, the upshot and positive part is that I get to own, understand and lead myself into places and in ways that few do.

The loner, the weirdo, the outcast, misfit or strange, mysterious one...this is me and it is Jack Reacher.

I am not exactly the same as Jack Reacher and, remembering that it is a fictional character, I do not have military experience or the degree of experience with violence that Reacher has.

I still connect with and relate to him on a deeply emotional and mental level because I have gone my own way. I have left my family and original home region behind--not because of any bad blood but only to make, find or create my very own life and way.

Answer 2

As a teacher, I often encourage students to make personal connections while reading—it helps the story come alive and improves comprehension. For example, when we read Charlotte’s Web in class, I shared how I connected with the friendship between Charlotte and Wilbur. It reminded me of times I’ve helped a friend or felt supported by someone kind. When students see parts of their own life in a story, they become more engaged and remember the message better. I always guide them step-by-step to think: “Has something like this happened to me?” or “How would I feel in this situation?”

Answer 3

When making connections, good readers will think about their own personal experiences which includes any memories or background knowledge that might relate to the text. This process of making connections can be text-to-self, text-to-text or text-to-world. Text-to-self means relating the book to your own life, while text-to-text means relating it to other books or stories. Text-to-world means making a connection to the real-world. So, what connections are you making?