Reading Strategies in Classroom (MORE AT HOME TIPS UNDER THAT TAB)
Tackling the Text (used for understanding a text/book)
Tackling the text (TTT) is the process in which the students use steps to understand a complex texts/articles/books. We will use this strategy with all of our texts in class. This is also helpful when taking exams and FSA-style tests. Below are notes on how to use the process when you cannot annotate on a text/book.
- Type of text- skim and scan the text to identify what genre it is and focus on the following:
- Informational= vocab, dates, names, places
- Literary= plot, characters, setting
- Poem= Symbolism/Word Choice/Imagery/Figurative Language/Tone (think SWIFT)
- Prediction based on title- what do I think this will be about? What do I already know about the topic?
- Number chunks (in a printed text)
- Start reading and text-marking (see notes text marker notes)
- (if its a poem, read through once without stopping)
- As you notice a text-marking, stop and note if it can be explained through a signpost (see notes below- make sure you choose the correct group of signposts with the corresponding genre). This thinking can be done in the margins or on a separate piece of paper. Maybe 3-5 sentences answering the guiding questions from the notes. Example: circled a work I didn’t know, student should code a “W” as a word gap and answer the guided questions.
- Students should take time at the end of their reading to ask themselves is this new information confirms what I already knew, adds to what I already knew, or completely changes what I already knew (it is important to reflect at the end)
- If there are paired questions, tackle IN YOUR MIND (what, where how)
Text - Markers
Notice and Note Signposts
Notice and Note is a reading strategy that we will use in class throughout the year, when reading our novels. Students will be HIGHLY encouraged to use Notice and Note with their at home book. Notice and Note Signposts are used to help students think deeper about the text the are reading. Below are some examples to help you better understand what the Signposts are.
Literary
Informational
Costa's Levels of Questioning (unit progression)
Costa's levels are a reading approach that we will be using within our curriculum. The image lists question strategies students will use for reading. Each week we are in a single unit, our depth of knowledge should be growing. Therefore, at the end of the unit, we will conduct a teaching task assessment. The teaching task assessment should show and demonstrate Level 3 thinking.
Writing Strategies
*note on CCC Essay= commentary should have at least 3-5 sentences (aka layers)
Below are some transitions that would sound great in an essay!
Below are some transitions that would sound great in an essay!