Is everyone out for summer by now? I hope so! This summer one of my projects was to tackle close reading. I have done variations of close reading for awhile. But I really wanted something rigorous and aligned to the common core. So this was born: Close Reading Mega Kit for for Grades 4-6 and 3rd Grade. To read about how I use this close reading kit during a specific read aloud, click here.
I have spent about three weeks this summer researching close reading and seeing a ton of different examples. The ones I loved the most were the ones that gave the students a different specific purpose each time they read the text. Then I thought, “How FABULOUS would it be to have close reading steps mapped out for the year for EACH standard?” I looked around the internet some more and TpT and didn’t see anything like this. So, I decided to make the kit myself!
Here is what one step by step guide looks like. Notice the CCSS anchor standard at the bottom of the page. That is what this Close Reading Step By Step is specifically aligned. The anchor standards include both literature and informational, but I broke it down and created two sets of close readings steps per standard: One specifically for informational text and one specifically for literature texts.
Notice by looking at the example that each step gives the reader a different purpose for reading. And each step builds on the one before it to finally reach a deep understanding and application of the anchor standard by the 3rd read (4th read for some of the standards).
After I had all the specific steps planned out for each standard, I knew I wanted to make this available in a variety of different formats. This way I could use the resource fully for all areas of instruction.
I wanted the close reading steps to be readily available for teachers to use when planning or conferring with students, so I created one page printables for each standard. These I store in a binder and use mostly for planning purposes.
The one page format from above is great, BUT teachers are not the only ones seeing these step by step strategies. So I created bookmarks with the close reading steps printed on them. The students can color the bookmarks and make them their own. Or I can just print out a class set on card stock, laminate them, and use them from year to year. I haven’t quite decided on that, yet!
Here is an example of the bookmarks. I made three to a page (to save some copies) and the standard is printed in the lower right corner for easy reference.
One last format! This format is ideal when you are just introducing a standard. Give the students a text and one card a time. Also, this is perfect for differentiation, small groups, or re-teaching! I have a color option and black and white option in the file. I printed the color option and laminated theme…a total splurge but it will be worth it.
After laminating and cutting them out, I placed them on rings. These are perfect for my reading centers and small group guide reading lessons.
Now, here comes the fun part! How do you store all these resources? I bought this plastic container from my local Hobby Lobby. It has a total of three compartments and is perfect! I put the Informational bookmarks and task cards in one compartment, the Literature bookmarks and task cards in another, and the Thinkmark bookmarks and task cards in the third! Perfect!
I don’t know if you can tell, but I am in LOVE with this kit and super pumped for school to start back. Thank you for letting me share this with you!
If you download the preview for either the Grades 4-6 or the 3rd Grade kit, you can get RI.6 for informational in all the different formats to try out for FREE!
This looks like a fantastic product. I'm adding it to my wishlist.
Hunter's Tales from Teaching
Thanks! It is my favorite new creation!
Great Kit! Thanks for sharing it.
Thanks!
I think I am going to need this kit. 😉 Adding to my wishlist.
~Brandee
Creating Lifelong Learners
I absolutely love it! I am excited to use it next year!
This is EXACTLY what I need! Thank you for creating this and sharing! My only disappointment is that I subscribe to your blog via email, so I just got this post this morning—after the one day sale! Oh well, it's on mt wishlist for back to school!
Oh no! But honestly, the back to school sale will be even better! And I am working on some close reading passages that go along with this product! Maybe by then you will see some other items to snatch up as well!
Just added to my wishlist- love this!
Love this. I'm beginning my first year as a 5th grade resource teacher this year and I am definitely adding this to my wish list. Thank you! 🙂
This looks fantastic!!! I have been envisioning for my classroom something very close to what you have designed. I'll put this on my wishlist. All your hard work just might save me some time!