Close reading in the classroom involves a structured approach to deeply analyze a text. This process fosters critical thinking and a comprehensive understanding of the material.
Here's a breakdown of how to implement close reading, based on the provided reference:
Steps for Implementing Close Reading
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Read Aloud: Begin by having the text read aloud. This can be done by the teacher or a confident student reader. This helps all students, especially those who struggle with reading, to initially engage with the text.
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Silent Reading: Following the read-aloud, students should read the text silently on their own. This allows for individual comprehension and note-taking.
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Text-Dependent Questions: Pose questions that require students to refer directly to the text for their answers. This reinforces the importance of textual evidence.
- Example: Instead of asking "What is the main idea of the story?", ask "What specific sentences in the first paragraph support the idea that the character is feeling anxious?"
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Visual Representation: Encourage students to create a visual image representing their understanding of the text. This helps them process information in a different way and solidify their comprehension.
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Gallery Walk: Have students display their visual images and participate in a gallery walk, observing and discussing each other's interpretations. This fosters peer learning and exposes students to diverse perspectives.
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Discussion: Transition into a class discussion, building upon the text-dependent questions and visual representations. Encourage students to share their insights and interpretations, citing evidence from the text.
Example Application
Imagine reading a short story about a character overcoming adversity.
| Step | Activity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Read Aloud | Teacher reads the story aloud with expression. | Initial exposure to the text; helps with auditory learners. |
| 2. Silent Reading | Students read the story individually, underlining key passages. | Individual comprehension and annotation. |
| 3. Text-Dependent Qs | "Find a sentence where the author tells us directly about the character’s struggle". | Directs students back to the text for evidence, promoting careful reading. |
| 4. Visual Representation | Students draw a scene from the story that represents the character’s turning point. | Promotes visual understanding and deeper processing of themes. |
| 5. Gallery Walk | Students share drawings and explain their interpretations. | Peer learning; exposure to different viewpoints. |
| 6. Discussion | Facilitate a class discussion about the character's transformation, using textual evidence and visual representations as discussion points. | Synthesizes understanding; reinforces the importance of evidence-based reasoning. |
By following these steps, you can effectively use close reading in the classroom to improve students' comprehension and analytical skills.
