Close reading is thoughtful, critical analysis of a text that focuses on significant details or patterns in order to develop a deep, precise understanding of the text’s form, craft, meanings, etc. It is a key requirement of the Common Core State Standards and directs the reader’s attention to the text itself. The skills gained from close reading help students locate information more easily and develop comprehension.

Strategies for Close Reading:

•Use Think Alouds    

Model it often. For example,

I might say, “I see a word I don’t know. I’m going to circle it or write it in my personal dictionary and find out what it means.”

Make connections as you read. “I think the Empire State Building must be as tall as a roller coaster I saw once.”

Ask questions: “What evidence or proof do we have that bats are nocturnal?”

1.Sequence: Which event happened first? Which happened last?

2.Character Traits: Name one character. What is one trait you infer that character has? Explain why you think that.

3.Motive: What is something that person does? Why do you think that person does that?

4.Summarize: Summarize the story in four sentences. Tell about the characters and what they do.

5.Main Idea: What do you think is the main idea of the story? Why? 



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