1. Close Reading and A significant body of research links the close reading of complex text — whether the student is a struggling reader or advanced —to significant gains in reading proficiency and finds close reading to be a key component of college and career readiness. (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, 2011, p. 7) Graphic Organizers

2. What is Close Reading? Uncovering layers of meaning that lead to deep comprehension Reading meticulously to analyze what the text is actually saying Reading with a purpose in mind

3. Good readers are like reading detectives! Close readers:  Read and re-read the text slowly  With a pen or pencil in hand  STOP and THINK after reading just a few paragraphs  Get the gist of what the text is about by analyzing the meaning in fine detail  Gather evidence from the text  Use the text to answer questions and make connections The goal is for students to take what they learn from the study of one text and apply it to the next text they read.

4. Let’s Try It! Circle vocabulary words you do not understand Underline powerful words or phrases that stand out Put a question mark (?) next to anything confusing Use the margins to jot down important ideas

5. How can I help at home? Chunk the reading into manageable parts  Read 2-3 paragraphs at a time First read: Have your child read by themselves  Circle vocabulary words they do not understand  Underline powerful words or phrases that stand out  Put a question mark (?) next to anything confusing  Use the margins to jot down important ideas *Go over unfamiliar vocabulary before the second read. Second Read: Read out loud to your child.  Interpret/analyze words or phrases they underlined  Ask questions like, “What’s going on and how do I know?”  Find textual evidence to help support their response  Dig deeper into the text by determining the central idea and theme  Help your child analyze characters and events

6. What are Graphic Organizers? Graphic organizers are a visual representation of the material a student is learning. The organizer assists the student in brainstorming and/or organizing information. www.ehow.com

7. What do graphic organizers look like?

8. Compare & Contrast Information about A 123456123456 Information about B 123456123456

9. Venn Diagram AB

11. This is where you would put details about the main idea This is where you would put the main idea. This is where you would put details about the main idea Sample Web Template