Close Reading

This month's edition of Education Leadership is entitled Tackling Informational Text.  Here are some excerpts from various articles I found interesting.

• "By engaging students in analyzing the intricacies of complex texts, we can transform their ideas about it means to read."(pg. 17)
• Some Questions Readers Might Pose (pg. 20)
• What does this text want me to know? What information does this text teach?
• What does this text want to understand? What new ideas and concepts does it suggest?
• What does this text want me to feel? What emotions does it stir up?
• How does it accomplish these tasks?
• Close and Critical Readers Might Then Ask These Questions:
• Whose perspective is represented in this text?
• Whose point of view is most fully explored?
• Who is honored or privileged in the text and how? Who is marginalized?
• How does the perspective in this text compare with others on this issue?
• How does the author use persuasive techniques, literary devices, or writers craft to convey meaning? 

To View How Students Can Use Informational Text to Construct Arguments Click On This Link for a Video - ( High School but can be Adapted for Lower Grades (3-5) in a Classroom Setting)

Informational Text and Arguments

Please Find Additional Information on Close Reading in your Mailboxes This Week. : ) 

Kudos

• To all teachers that contributed to a successful Spooky Story Night! Thank you.
• Dorothy for reviewing Wilson with Grades 1 and 2 and working on Syllable Types for Upper Grades - Nice Job!
• Ilene, Jen & Serenity, Amy, Grace, and Steph B for a successful implementation of quality social thinking groups
• All Paras for their continued flexibility - it has been difficult. AND, to teachers for your patience and understanding when we are short on substitutes
• All Teachers who are now officially mentors to students

Mark Your Calendars

Nov 4th: BSRI Visit - Miffy and Lisa for Walkthroughs, 1:10 GLM for Grade 4

Nov 5th: No School - Staff Development - Keys to Literacy

Nov 7th: BSRI Visit - Kelly, Heidi, and Lisa in Classrooms, PTO Meeting @6:00

Nov 8th: PTO Geography Enrichment Presentation: Grade 4 @8:00, Grade 5 @9:10, GLM for K @1:10

Nov 11th: No School

Change is Simple will be coming for Grades 3-5 on Nov 12th and 13th: Schedule TBD: (1 hour Block)

Nov 14th: Math Planning with Noel- Full Day Grades 4 and 5

**** Staff Meeting on the 13th has been changed to the 20th @2:30 

I-Pad App of the Week

Explain Everything

Articles Worth Reading

A Refreshingly Simple Guide To Twitter for Teachers via @edudemic

Educational Tweeting via @KleinErin @YollisClass @benglipin

North Carolina Link to Common Core Tools @momchak3

How to Create Effective Homework via @MindShift

Why Reading is Dangerous via @edudemic

10 Characteristics of a Highly Effective Learning Environment  via @tyson_kimberly

How to Build a Happier Brain via @thecoolhunter


Videos Worth Watching

The World Can Be Better via @bengilpin

Richie Parker: Drive - Amazing example of a Growth Mindset!!