Close Reading 4th Grade Video

I am always looking for positive examples of a close reading. I am not an expert by any means but I feel this one fits the bill. This video is about 12 minutes long. It is worth the watch.

Here are a few things I like about this lesson/teacher...

1. I like how she states her objective and how her students will complete the objective.

2. I like how she models her thinking when she becomes stuck on the word "stabilizing".

3. I like her use of vocabulary. Notice she doesn't use simple words but uses real "grown-up" words like: consensus, annotate, sequential order, etc.

4. I like how she is constantly asking her students to find in the text the evidence that supports their thinking.

5. I like how she doesn't agree or disagree aloud with her students. She makes her students talk it out and come to a consensus. 

6. I like all the chances student have to share their thinking, whether one on one, in a table or even with a partner.

What do you do that you really love when you are doing a close read?
What did you like about this teacher?

My Journey with Close Reading

When I first read about close reading I was extremely skeptical. I saw teachers throwing Guided Reading out the door and simply handing out texts with accompanying questions to be answered. I was having none of it. 

Later when I saw a Close Reading course being offered during the summer I was bound and determined to give the instructors a piece of my mind. I just knew I was going to go in to that class and defend Guided Reading and let those people know exactly how wrong they were!!! 

I am happy to report that I was mistaken, but then again so was that first teacher. Close Reading is much more than a list of questions to be asked and answered. It is a new way to look at books. It is a journey to be taken, to be explored and loved as you experience books in new/deeper ways.

I am by NO means a Close Reading expert. I AM, however, a  3rd grade teacher, who has been asked to learn more and teach members of our faculty more about Close Reading. I am excited to see where this journey of discovery will take me.  Come back and visit often as I share my lessons, new discoveries, and triumphs in the world of Close Reading.

LET THE READING BEGIN!