Comprehension
Close Reading
In class, we participate in close reading exercises where students spend days with a text. We spent a week with two articles about the differing effects of aerosol pollution resulting from burning fossil fuels. In this lesson, we spent a day on vocabulary, two days comprehending the text, and two days writing. The writing days were spent with day one resulting in the completion of a draft and day two being spent peer-reviewing and editing for a final copy.
During this close reading we employed the comprehension strategy called a "Reasoning Guide." The reasoning guide teased out the main ideas of the articles and listed them in a worksheet, where students were to determine if these central ideas were arguments or pieces of evidence supporting the argument. Additionally, I would say we engaged in Writing to Learn," because in developing their own argument pieces, the students gained such a deep understanding of the arguments presented in the articles.
Quick Comprehension Tips
The reason we do close reading in class is because it does in fact take time. Students also require direct instruction with and sustained exposure to difficult texts. The results are astounding! Additionally, the only way to get faster at reading is by practice. We practice breaking down a text in class. At home, short intervals of studying are best.
Get Practicing With Your Online Textbook!!!!!
In class, we participate in close reading exercises where students spend days with a text. We spent a week with two articles about the differing effects of aerosol pollution resulting from burning fossil fuels. In this lesson, we spent a day on vocabulary, two days comprehending the text, and two days writing. The writing days were spent with day one resulting in the completion of a draft and day two being spent peer-reviewing and editing for a final copy.
During this close reading we employed the comprehension strategy called a "Reasoning Guide." The reasoning guide teased out the main ideas of the articles and listed them in a worksheet, where students were to determine if these central ideas were arguments or pieces of evidence supporting the argument. Additionally, I would say we engaged in Writing to Learn," because in developing their own argument pieces, the students gained such a deep understanding of the arguments presented in the articles.
Quick Comprehension Tips
The reason we do close reading in class is because it does in fact take time. Students also require direct instruction with and sustained exposure to difficult texts. The results are astounding! Additionally, the only way to get faster at reading is by practice. We practice breaking down a text in class. At home, short intervals of studying are best.
- Text Features. Each week a section of the textbook is read at home, in correspondence with the week's lesson. Students are taught to look through the section briefly and take a mental note of the text features, including: title, pictures, captions, graphs and charts, diagrams and subheadings. After mentally noting what might be the major points of the reading, then read the chapter.
- Note-Taking. We limit our note taking in the first half of the year to outline-style notes from the textbook and vocabulary notes in class. Any time a new term is introduced in class (it is taken directly from the book as often as possible), students are directly instructed to copy it down in their vocabulary section.
- Check your understanding. A great feature of the book is it posts guided reading questions to check your understanding as you read. After every two paragraphs or so, there is a question. Think through the answers of these questions mentally, then respond to the section review questions at the end of the chapter.
- Ask your own questions. We begin the school year off with questions. Students should feel comfortable asking the teacher if they feel confused... but I want students to ask questions while reading. I would like to model this at the end of the second quarter or beginning of the third quarter. "Talking to the Text" is a sure way to diagnose any misunderstandings, develop an interest in a topic, and promote further research b the student independently!
Get Practicing With Your Online Textbook!!!!!