Bell Work: Answer the following in 3 sentences each. 1. What is the purpose of reading literature? 2. What is the purpose of deep (close) reading of a text? How do you deeply read a text?

A How To: Annotate Texts

Step One: Reading the text Most reading is skimmed When you need to learn, reading requires close attention Reading with close attention requires time and effort Annotating the text is a helpful tool for understanding

Step Two: Gather Supplies You will need a few supplies for good annotating. Use what works for you: Post-it notes Highlighters in multiple colors Pens in multiple colors Pencils Flags Notebook

Step Three: Annotate General principles for good annotating to keep in mind Write marginal notes in the text Taking Notes is not just summarizing. Ask questions and write and comments Close reading takes time Taking time as you read will save you time and anxiety later as you discuss & write about the text

Previewing: Before You Annotate Find a quiet place with no distractions (this means no music, cell phone, or TV) Look at the title Usually includes author’s subject or method Who is the author? What you already know helps you guess something about the writing If biographical sketch is provided, read it

Previewing: Before You Annotate In what was it published? Would you be more likely to believe “Living Mermaids: An Amazing Discovery” if it were published in Scientific American or The National Enquirer? Indicates for whom it was written When was it published? If it’s about mermaids, will you find it more reliable if written in 1988 or 1788?

Annotation Guidelines Read with a pen or pencil in hand. Helps you focus and stay alert. Keep a list of characters & their key traits A good place: inside cover of the book Add brief notes to your lists as you read Look for patterns What ideas do you see repeated? What connections can you draw between different concepts?

Annotation Guidelines Create your own code / symbols, cont. Mark main idea supporting details key terms cause and effect explanations (Now brainstorm key concepts with your table) Underline/highlight – CAUTION: Use this sparingly. Underline/highlight only a few words. Never underline an entire passage. At the end of each chapter, bullet-point the key events as a summary or write a short summary.

Annotation Guidelines Have a CONVERSATION with the text. Talk back to it. Take your time as you begin a new text. Ask yourself many questions as you begin: How does this relate to your everyday experience? What formula will help me solve this problem? Try to make a quick note on the top of each page indicating the most important point there. Ask questions (essential to active reading). Use question marks. Be alert to what puzzles you. Good readers do not zip along without stopping to monitor their comprehension. They stop to think and to note what they don’t understand. Write down questions you would like to discuss. Your annotations must include comments as evidence of thinking.

Annotation Guidelines Line through unknown vocab Underline and write connections Box surprising and intriguing statements Wiggle underline comments you need to be clarified Paraphrase entire text in one sentence Draw a line to connect related words Circle names Circle imagery (the 5 senses) Identify the tone of important words

Example What do you notice about these notes?

Example What is being indicated in red ink?

Practice Now we are going to practice annotating a text as a class. For homework, you will be annotating on your own.