The Mystery of the Disappearing Starfish A Case for Close Reading By Arlene Hayman and Carole Hoppe
What is Close Reading? Close reading is an instructional routine in which students critically examine a text, especially through repeated readings. -Fisher and Frey, 2012
Primary Close Read Introduce book cover and relevant background knowledge. Teach key vocabulary. Identify and use text features to gain information as you read. Explain and begin to model note-taking. Demonstrate how a proficient reader gains knowledge from the text by reading and thinking aloud.
Texts Worthy of a Close Read
The 5 Steps To Close Reading 1. Provide relevant background knowledge and introduce essential vocabulary. 2. First Read: Teacher read aloud and model of note taking. 3. Second read: Read, discuss, question, and take annotated notes with a partner. 4. Third read: Class discussion driven by evidence cited in the text and recorded in notes. 5. Respond and record critical responses.
Focus Standards RI.3.1 Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers. RI.4.1 Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. RI.5.1 Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
Second Read Focus Question What were some of the problems related to sea star wasting disease? What is your evidence?
Third Read Focus Question Why would the author want us to know about this problem with sea stars? Cite evidence to support your thinking.
Partner Share Partner A: The author would want us to know about this problem with sea stars because ______________________. Partner B: My evidence to show why the author wants us to know about this problem is ______________________.
Focus Writing Standard W.3.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
Student Samples
Students conferred to find evidence from the article, and eventually wrote individual responses to the text dependent question.
Resources Newsela.com – Great site with informational articles for which you can adjust the lexile level. Readworks.org - Source for fiction and informational passages at all grade levels. Time for Kids, Storyworks, National Geographic Explorer, Scholastic News