Close Reading

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.

Discovering Mysteries

The second graders have moved on to the mystery genre.  They are really enjoying their detective books where they are recording the suspects and clues in The Case of the Missing Cookie.  Tomorrow we will be creating mystery cubes (pictures will be coming).  The mystery genre fits in so well with our current comprehension focus, questioning.  Nothing creates better questions than true curiosity.Mystery Genre Reading and Writing

Focus on Comprehension

This week my second graders are working on building their comprehension skills by doing some close reading.  They are excited to learn more about Martin Luther King Jr.  Today they got to be reading detectives and use evidence from their text to support their responses to questions about MLK.

Martin Luther King Jr Close Reading

New Office

I finally was able to make space in my very small home for a mini office.  Thank you to my husband for getting me a computer to help complete it.  Now, if I could only decide on a paint color.  I am thinking something bright to keep me motivated.  I am ready to begin my big project for this year.    I am going back through all of my work on my Masters to research reading interventions. Hopefully, I will have it complete by spring.

Primary Ideas TPT Store

Now that my Kindergarteners have mastered their alphabet, I am looking forward to focusing on building reading skills after winter break.