Close Reading in Elementary School

Diana Sisson and Betsy Sisson, Ed.D.s, are international literacy consultants focusing on professional development and school improvement. They also serve as adjunct professors in the fields of teacher preparation, curriculum and instruction, educational research in literacy, and literacy instruction.

• PrefaceMeet the AuthorsPART I Understanding Close ReadingChapter 1 Defining Complex Text in the ClassroomWhy Is Text Complexity a Significant Factor in Reading Instruction Today?Measuring Text ComplexityThe Essence of Text ComplexitySummaryBook Study: Reflection QuestionsChapter 2 Close Reading: Historical Perspectives and Contemporary PracticesHistorical ContextClose Reading Comes to American ClassroomsReader Response TheoryThe Return of Close ReadingSummaryBook Study: Reflection QuestionsPart II Close Reading in the ClassroomChapter 3 An Overview of Close Reading StrategiesTen Steps to Creating a Close Reading LessonPlan the ImplementationScaffold the ProcessSummaryBook Study: Reflection QuestionsChapter 4 Reading Across Literary and Informational GenresLiterary GenresInformational GenresSummaryBook Study: Reflection QuestionsChapter 5 Strengthening Reading Through Targeted Comprehension SkillsReading for Details Using Both Literal and Inferential UnderstandingTheme, Main Idea, and SummarizationNarrative ElementsText StructurePoint of ViewDiverse Text Formats and MediaEvaluate Arguments in TextComparing and Contrasting Multiple Texts on the Same TopicSummaryBook Study: Reflection QuestionsChapter 6 Accelerating Learning With Increasing Levels of RigorBloom’s TaxonomyWebb’s DOK LevelsDifferentiating Academic RigorSummaryBook Study: Reflection QuestionsChapter 7 Looking Deeper at Digital TextEvolution of ReadingThe Digital BrainDelving Into Digital TextsAcademic Benefits of the Social Aspect of ReadingThe Use of Writing as a Physical Interaction With Digital LearningSummaryBook Study: Reflection QuestionsPart III Linking Close Reading With Close Talks and Close WritesChapter 8 Using Close Talks to Deepen UnderstandingThe Power of QuestioningClose TalksTextQuestionsStudentsTeacherPreparing a Close TalkGuidelines for Participating in a Close TalkClose Talk ProcedureClose Talk Participation RubricBenefits of Close TalkSummaryBook Study: Reflection QuestionsChapter 9 Close Writes as a Springboard Into Student-Generated WritingReading-Writing ConnectionThe Close Write ModelSummaryBook Study: Reflection QuestionsChapter IV The Independent ReaderChapter 10 Building the Independent Reader The Power of the Gradual Release of ResponsibilityTeacher ModelingInteractive Think AloudsGuided Use of Whole-Class Close Reading Framework With Shared TextDifferentiating the Close Reading Process in Small Groups and Paired ReadingUsing Feedback to Elevate Student ThinkingThe Independent Reader Closing Thoughts on the Transformational Effect of Close Reading SummaryBook Study: Reflection QuestionsReferences