Actively Learn - Close Reading

Close Reading involves reading short sections of a complex text multiple times, each time with a different purpose or lens, in order to critically analyze the text’s structure, craft and meaning. With each reread, students build on their knowledge and uncover new information to deepen their understanding of the text. 

Goal: Promote deeper understanding of a text by using a layered reading protocol

Thinking about using Actively Learn for Close Reading? Here are some tips:

• Duplicate an assignment and embed notes and questions to support each round of reading.
• Use Close Reading Strategies during multiple reads to help students interact in a meaningful and purposeful way as they grapple with a text. The following steps can be used for each reading:
  • First Read -- Read text aloud to students and ask students to define words they don’t understand as they follow along silently. Embed surface level questions (DOK Level 1) or ask them aloud to ensure students understand the text at a basic level. Use notes to ask students what stands out as they read the text.
  • Second Read -- Next, ask students to read the text silently to themselves. Ask text-dependent questions (DOK Level 2) focusing on imagery, patterns, structure, or inference. Students can also paraphrase a small portion of the text and share their work with a partner.
  • Third Read -- Students are now ready to tackle deeper analysis. Embed questions and notes (DOK Levels 3-4) that will push students to identify the author’s purpose or draw conclusions.

Annotating

Students write notes in the text to ensure that they are thinking as they read. Color-coding their annotations allows students to practice metacognition and understand what parts of the text they are noticing.

Modeling

Teachers can demonstrate what close reading looks like by showing students their notes and questions. This helps students understand how they should process the text.

Questioning

Questions in Actively Learn chunk the text and ensure that students are comprehending as they read. They also focus attention on particular portions of the text so that students slow down and analyze closely.

Responding

Students are able to create discussion threads alongside the text to reference specific passages by sharing their notes with the class. This creates purpose for their reading and encourages students to re-read in order to participate meaningfully in the conversation.

Connecting

Thanks to hyperlinks and embedded media, students can compare different representations of the same topic or deepen their understanding with the help of an image or video. Hyperlinks and media can be added for students to access by customizing texts and video assignments.

Stretching

The reading supports in Actively Learn enable students to tackle challenging texts that lend themselves to interpretation and analysis.