Close Reading
Reading for evidence in content, not for fluency
What is close reading?
Close reading is a central focus of the Common Core State Standards.
Close reading teaches kids to read for and determine evidence in a text in order to justify their reasoning. Students who read closely can answer text-dependent questions.
Close reading teaches kids to read for and determine evidence in a text in order to justify their reasoning. Students who read closely can answer text-dependent questions.
K-1 Struggles with Close Reading
For grades K-1, much of the reading focus is on decoding and learning how to read. Many texts are basic and phonics based, lacking the depth needed for close reading.
"The context usually just isn't deep enough to bear such closer study (and, frankly, if you look at the comprehension standards themselves, specifically standards #4-9 for those grades, it should be evident that CCSS doesn't envision particularly close reading at these levels.) - Timothy Shanahan, Close Reading for Beginners? Probably Not.
Shanahan, T. (2013, July 16). Close Reading for Beginners? Probably Not. [Blog]. Retrieved from http://www.shanahanonliteracy.com/search?q=close+reading+kindergarten
"The context usually just isn't deep enough to bear such closer study (and, frankly, if you look at the comprehension standards themselves, specifically standards #4-9 for those grades, it should be evident that CCSS doesn't envision particularly close reading at these levels.) - Timothy Shanahan, Close Reading for Beginners? Probably Not.
Shanahan, T. (2013, July 16). Close Reading for Beginners? Probably Not. [Blog]. Retrieved from http://www.shanahanonliteracy.com/search?q=close+reading+kindergarten
It's Not Impossible!
Close reading in K-1 is possible! It is important to remember that at this level, teachers are introducing the skill and activities are completed with scaffolding and support. It's important that students are exposed to the skill at a basic level at a young age. Non-fiction texts are easy to use at this level. ReadWorks has thousands of grade-level appropriate texts with comprehension questions that can be used for close reading. Vocabulary readers can also be used. (see examples in photos below.)
ReadWorks example
After the teacher reads the texts while the kids follow along, questions (with picture answers) are asked. Kids find the evidence in the text and underline the words that serve as evidence.
HM Vocabulary Reader example
After reading independently or with a teacher, students use the pictures and words to prove the meaning of the text. In this example, students are answering, "Who is 'we'?" and "what are they doing?" They are also creating a graphic organizer.
Big Book
Arrows and highlighting tape can be used to answer text-dependent questions in big books.
K RW Close Reading with Visual Text
Once Upon a Teacher (2013, October 10). K RW Close Reading with Visual Text. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://vimeo.com/76626667
Do You Read Closely?
I encourage you to use any of my strategies and share your stories with me. Additionally, if you have other strategies, please share them by emailing me or posting to my blog at kkranzush.wordpress.com
Contact
Kate Kranzush is a full day, title kindergarten teacher in Bend, Oregon. She believes in early intervention and literacy skills as well as promoting social/emotional skills in young learners.
Email: kate.kranzush@bend.k12.or.us
Website: kkranzush.wordpress.com
Phone: 541-355-2700