Greetings!
This month's topic is Close Reading Strategies. Close reading is specifically called for in the Common Core, but it is embedded in most other state standards. Close reading requires that students read a text for specific information, rather than simply "getting the gist of it". Although the close reading movement started at the college level, the principles are applicable at all grade levels, including primary grades.
In the main column, I share how to prepare students for close reading, then how to use close reading with informational texts. To the right are sample sources for close reading, as well as other recommended resources.
For principals, I provide article you can use with teachers to prompt a discussion of close reading.
The last few months, I've been focusing on writing. I'm usually not able to write much in the summers, since I'm on the road so much. So, I tend to write more in the winter. We've also had some bad weather, and that has kept me inside. In January, I finished my newest book, Motivating Struggling Learners: Ten Ways to Build Success. It will be out in July in time for the Southern Regional Education Board's National Conference.
Then, in February and March, I revised one of my earlier books, Classroom Instruction from A to Z, updating all the content and adding new chapters on Blended Learning, Assessment, Academic Vocabulary, and Balancing Instruction with Standardized Testing. It will be published sometime this fall. I'll keep you up-to-date on release dates.
I still have a few dates available in the summer and fall, so you know other schools or districts that might be interested in my work, please feel free to give them my contact information:(609) 474-4677 or bcgroup@gmail.com.
Barbara
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How to Teach Close Reading
When teaching close reading, there are steps to take before students experience the text. Although you don't want to spend too much time on pre-reading (and there is debate that you should just put students into the text), I found that my students did need some preparation before reading. First, I quickly activated prior knowledge about the topic and vocabulary for the text. I used a word sort activity for vocabulary.
Next, I reviewed (using class discussion) the ways to closely read a text. This strategic knowledge is critical, and includes self-monitoring strategies, such as asking reflective questions. Remember, the pre-reading process is not a full lesson; it's a quick review of strategies.
What does this look like in an informational text, whether you are using a Time for Kids article or a primary source document? First, read the text closely to see what it explicitly says. Next, make inferences from the text, using evidence from the text to support those inferences. Finally, determine an overall main idea or theme for the text. I particularly like using a fishbone graphic to organize this information. Depending on the number of "fins" you use, it can be used with very simple texts with primary students, and for complex texts at the upper grades.
Also keep in mind that close readings often occur at a second or third reading, rather than during the first time through a text. It really depends on your students.
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Principal's Perspective
Are you looking for more information on close reading to discuss with your teachers? This article, from the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, provides a context for close reading, as well as some tips for incorporating close reading in your school. It's a great base to prompt discussion among your teachers.
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Sources for Close Reading Texts
Although almost any text
can be used for close reading, there are some sample sources that
can be particularly helpful.
For example, the New York Times publishes "Room for Debate", in which guest columnists present views on key issues.
Popular children's magazines, such as Time for Kids, are an excellent source for close reading.
Achieve the Core provides sample lessons with
close reading exemplars.
Kelly Gallagher gives
texts he uses in his classroom in his articles of the week.
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Recommended Resources
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** my first choice if you only want to read one book
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