WHAT DOES CLOSE READING LOOK LIKE?

Here is how close reading looks in my 8th grade US History.

First, place the primary source is placed in an easy to read format.  On the left side of the handout is the primary source. Then, on the right side students have questions and space to respond those specific questions (test dependent). The questions on the right are located very near the passage where the student can find the information.  This is important as it will help the students focus on the area where the information can be found. 

Second, when I create the primary source handout,  I highlight keywords in the document that student may not know.  Then on the right side provide definitions.

THE READING PROCESS:
But this is only part of the close reading in my classroom.  More important is the process of reading. 

I have the students read the primary source three times. 


First Reading:  Student silently read, but only skimming the primary source.  They will highlight words on the primary source they don't know or words the have never heard before - even the words I've highlighted in the primary source. Then students share the words with an elbow partner and look up the definitions to understand the context,  Finally I ask students to share any words they "discovered". 

Second Reading: Now, the students read for content and annotate. I explain to my students that annotating is like having a discussion with the reading.  Student will jot down their  thoughts next to primary source like, "Wow, that's cool!", "Are you crazy?", or  "Wow, that's what my Mom says all the time". This is to get the students engaged with the document. 

Third Reading: The students read to answer the questions. I encourage students to work with their elbow partner during this process.  Then in the end we discuss their answers. 

I try to make the documents short for my middle schoolers.  If I can not break it up into smaller chunks, then I may read most of the document to my students with students helping me out along the way for the first read.

So, does close reading look the same in your room or is it different?  Let me know.

Finally, if you are looking for SUPER close reading/text dependant readings for US History, check this out!