Recently there has been a lot more focus put on close
reading. This is especially true in
districts using the Common Core Standards.
Close reading can be an important tool when teaching comprehension. When doing a close read students are taught
to return to the text over and over again.
They learn to use evidence from the text to support answers. This rereading allows students to focus on
content and develop a deeper understanding.
Some things to consider when choosing a text for close
reading are…
ü
Passages should be short- Remember your students
are going to be reading this multiple times you do not want it to be too much.
ü
Passages need to have content worthy of close
reading- Not all passages are created equal and not all passages require close
reading. Make sure there is enough in
the passage to engage and challenge your students.
Teaching your students to “Read with a Pencil”
Reading with a pencil helps students to pay attention to the
text and helps them to use evidence when answering questions. When reading with a pencil students are more
active. This is not a skill that young
students pick up on their own. It has to
be modeled. Help your students learn to
be reading detectives by guiding them through this process.
.JPG)
