WEEK 2: Close Reading and Annotating Literature Mrs. LoFaso- 2016

What does the English Regents Exam require? Part 1- Reading Comprehension Part 2- Writing from Sources: Argument Part 3- Text-Analysis Response

What will this course cover and when? Wednesday, April 6th Introduction to the English Regents Exam; How to become a better Reader and Writer Wednesday, April 13th Close Reading and Annotating Literature Wednesday, April 20th Part 1- Reading Comprehension- Tips and Strategies for Success Wednesday, May 4th Part 1- Reading Comprehension- Review and Analysis for Understanding Wednesday, May 11th Part 2- Writing from Sources: Argument- Tips and Strategies for Success Wednesday, May 18th Part 2- Writing from Sources: Argument- Review and Analysis for Understanding Wednesday, May 25th Part 3- Text-Analysis Response- Tips and Strategies for Success Wednesday, June 1st Part 3- Text-Analysis Response- Review and Analysis for Understanding Wednesday, June 8th Review of Parts 1-3; Overcoming Test Anxiety

When we read a text, we are engaging in a conversation with: Annotating Overview… When we read a text, we are engaging in a conversation with: The author, Others, and Ourselves!

Think back to the books that you love… Why are they so significant to you? Was there was a personal connection with the text—something that moved you?

What can you do to make such connections and make some sort of meaning from what you read? Writing is the means that must be used to get you there!

What can you do to prepare? First, let’s look at a sample of writing that has been annotated already with a partner or small group What do you notice about these annotations? List 3-5with your partner or group

Create a master list of techniques used:

Suggested responses: Give definitions to difficult and unfamiliar words Give background information, especially explaining customs, traditions, and ways of living that may be unfamiliar to us Help explain what is going on in the text Make connections to other texts Point out the use of literary techniques and how they add meaning to the text Can use humor Reveal that the writer of these annotations knows his or her reader

Where can you find each of these on our sample?

Have you ever read anything that later reminded you a movie or show? Share examples

When annotating, consider how a piece of text: Touches you emotionally, making you feel happiness as well as sadness Reminds you of childhood experiences Teaches you something new Changes your perspective on an issue Helps you see how they can better relate to your parent(s) and others around you Helps them see the world through someone else’s experiences.

Let’s practice! There were no beds given the slaves, unless one coarse blanket be considered such, and none but the men and women had these. This, however, is not considered a very great privation. They find less difficulty from the want of beds, than from the want of time to sleep; for when their day’s work in the field is done, the most of them having their washing, mending, and cooking to do, and having few or none of the ordinary facilities for doing either of these, very many of their sleeping hours are consumed in preparing for the field the coming day; and when this is done, old and young, male and female, married and single, drop down side by side, on one common bed, — the cold, damp floor, — each covering himself or herself with their miserable blankets; and here they sleep till they are summoned to the field by the driver’s horn.

How to ANNOTATE like a Pro:

Share your thoughts with your partner… Did he/she make points you didn’t notice? Did he/she locate words you didn’t realize you need defined as well? What else did you notice?

Show us what YOU annotated: There were no beds given the slaves, unless one coarse blanket be considered such, and none but the men and women had these. This, however, is not considered a very great privation. They find less difficulty from the want of beds, than from the want of time to sleep; for when their day’s work in the field is done, the most of them having their washing, mending, and cooking to do, and having few or none of the ordinary facilities for doing either of these, very many of their sleeping hours are consumed in preparing for the field the coming day; and when this is done, old and young, male and female, married and single, drop down side by side, on one common bed, — the cold, damp floor, — each covering himself or herself with their miserable blankets; and here they sleep till they are summoned to the field by the driver’s horn.

Other helpful tips: Write directly in your book or on the passage. When you cannot do this, use post-it notes or a notebook where you can keep track of your thoughts! Have discussions with your peers or family members on shared readings

Other ways to prepare:

English fun continues…

English fun continues…