One of the important concepts associated with close reading is the need to read a passage more than once. The first reading provides surface information–what did the text say. However, during the second reading, much more meaning is ascertained.
According to Dr. Tim Shannahan, the second reading should answer some of the following questions: For fiction, “How did the author organize it? What literacy devices were used and how effective were they?” For nonfiction, “What was the quality of the evidence? If data were presented, how was that done?” For all text, “Why did the author choose this word or that word? Was the meaning of a key term consistent or did it change across the text?” And the reading does not end there.
A third reading should take the reader to an even deeper level, answering questions such as: “What does this text mean? What was the author’s point? What does it have to say to me about my life or my world? How do I evaluate the quality of this work–aesthetically, substantively? How does this text connect to other texts I know?” (Shannahan on Literacy: What Is Close Reading?)
Not all texts are of a quality or depth that make them appropriate for close reading. Thus, the teacher must determine which texts to use for close reading.
With all of the attention being given to close reading recently, we combed the Internet for some quality resources. We have provided links below and hope that you will find them helpful as you make the transition to close reading.
Shannahan on Literacy: What Is Close Reading? Be sure to scroll through the blog to Dr. Shannahan’s question/answer section.
Closing in on Close Reading A very informative article from ASCD’s Ed Leadership. This article includes questions that teachers can use for close reading. This would be a good common text for a PLC or PD session.
Grappling with Complex Informational Text This site, from Expeditionary Learning, provides a video of a close reading lesson in action. Many elements of good teaching are present in the video, and we think that teachers can learn a great deal from viewing this video and then discussing it.
achievethecore.org This is a site that we mentioned earlier, but this link takes you directly to close reading lesson plans.
Close Reading and the CCSS Dr. Douglas Fisher is one of our favorite adolescent literacy gurus. At this link, Dr. Fisher is interviewed in a video that provides additional information that clarifies what close reading means.
Notice & Note This Heinemann site offers several videos from the authors of Notice & Note: Strategies for Close Reading, Kylene Beers and Robert E. Probst. This is one of our favorite books on close reading, and the videos provide some excellent information and clarification on close reading.
iTeach.iCoach.iBlog Five Close Reading Strategies to Support the Common Core is a blog that provides five strategies that teachers will find helpful when implementing close reading in their classrooms.
How to do a Close Reading
This video was created to explain close reading. While not perfect, it could provide a good starting point for a staff discussion.
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