What is Close Reading? Why do we do it? How do we do it? 9/14/15 What is Close Reading? Why do we do it? How do we do it?

Do Now In your notebooks, in 2-3 complete sentences answer the following: What is YOUR definition of close reading. How do you close read? Be ready to share out and explain!

Agenda and Objective Do Now Note-Taking: Exit What is Close Reading? Word Choice Lenses Exit Students will review the five different reading lenses (style and structure, word choice and mood, figurative language, characterization, conflict) in order to evaluate why their use is necessary for close reading texts.

What Is close reading?

What is Close Reading? A way to uncover layers of meaning that leads to understanding. It can be done in a novel, article, picture, song and people.

Let’s practice

On a first read, what is going on in this picture?

On a first read, it looks like a boy and his dog.

Now read it again more closely. Write 1-2 things you notice on your marker board.

On a second read, I take a longer look, and I notice some details in the picture. The boy is talking to the dog; he is leaning in and holding the dog’s leg firmly. Dog seems to be in the boys lap. Both boy and dog look relaxed and content In a park or some kind of open area (grass in the background). Dog has a scarf on

What is the message the author (photographer) is trying to convey to you? Write the answer on your marker board.

What is the message the author is trying to send? Dogs can be like a friend when you need comfort. Childhood isn’t complete unless you have a dog. An ideal childhood is one where you have a pet.

How do we close read?

How do we Close Read? Sometimes, re-read the text. Use LENSES to find details. Uncover PATTERNS to pave new understandings. Create new IDEAS and revise your thinking (with evidence).

Literary Lenses

What are these? What is their purpose?

Close Reading Lenses We use different LENSES to look at the text to uncover deeper meaning and discover different perspectives. Depending on the lens, you may get a different reading and notice things you hadn’t noticed before.

List of Close Reading Lenses Style & Structure Characterization Conflict Figurative Language Word Choice and Mood

Let’s focus on diction…

Diction Diction refers to the words chosen by the author for the text. For example: “The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.” – Jack Kerouac, On the Road Why choose words like “mad” and “burn”?

Things to consider for Word Choice: Colloquial language / slang. An informal tone is created. Perhaps uses second person (you), informal reference to a person e.g. using their first name or a nickname, abbreviations. Emotive language – strong words to stir / manipulate emotions. These words will have strong connotations. Emotive language often reveals the writer’s attitude to their topic. Jargon – technical / formal language. Archaisms – old fashioned words.

Connotation vs. Denotation Connotation – the idea or feeling the word invokes in you. Couch – sleep, comfort, naptime, TV, football, dinner, etc. Denotation – the actual definition of the word; it’s literal meaning. Couch – a long piece of upholstered furniture for people to sit on.

Imagery Diction (word choice) is directly related to IMAGERY. IMAGERY is an author's use of descriptive language that appeals to human senses to deepen the reader's understanding of the work. Powerful forms of imagery engage all of the senses. Sight Taste Touch Smell Sound

For example… burn, burn, burn (touch, smell, sight) like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding (sound, sight, smell) like spiders across the stars (sight, touch)

Exit Time to practice! Read the passage on your exit slip and complete the questions:

3 Questions to Ask Yourself While Reading What does it SAY? You should SUMMARIZE. What does it MEAN? ANALYZE the text using LENSES. Why does it MATTER? Make a CONNECTION.