Close reading is big right now. I’ve been doing close reading with my kids since last year and my kids have started to think of it as work. They are right…it is work. But it shouldn’t necessarily feel like it. I want them to be excited about digging deep into a piece of text! I set out to create a fun way to spice up close reading, thus these close reading tool kits were born:
When we start to dissect a piece of text, I have one of my kids pass out the toolkits and everyone begins to unpack their kit. Here’s what’s included in mine:
-a pack of sticky notes
-a highlight with 3 colors. A parent donated these fun triangle highlighters, but if you don’t have these, just include three different colors
– an evidence bookmark. These come in handy when citing evidence after reading You can find the bookmarks in my Comp Files unit.
– a close reading symbols card for the kids to refer to. There are tons out there that you can decide which works best for your students. This is the one we are currently using but I do change them for time to time depending on what type of passage we are working with.
– a pen. Most teachers would prefer pencils and understandably so, but there’s something about a pen that makes it just a little more fun for the kids. Whatever works, right?
I plan on posting later this week on how we use these supplies to actually close read a piece of text, so check back!
If you’re interested in these printables, let me know and I’ll upload them! 🙂
UPDATE: 2/21- These printables are now uploaded. You can find them here
I'm interested!!
Great idea ! Love the kit idea too…like the pen, makes it fun and special for the kids
These are adorable and would be motivating for all readers!!!!
Would LOVE the printables! Thank you!
I would love the printables please! I do something similar but each one of my groups has different markers and post its. The printables would be a great addition!
These are AWESOME! I would love to have some for my groups.
Yes, I love the kit idea! Please share the printables! I appreciate your creativity!
Great idea! This is a way to really get the kids to read.
I would really like the printables, too!
I would like the printables as well! I like how you added a special touch to your kits by the heart, star, OMG, LOL. I think you have a fun idea here.
Do you have one for every student or per table?
Would love your printables!
Totally interested! I too love how you used the texting shortcuts for annotating…brilliant!
Yes!Yes! Upload please!!!
Please share printables! I too have invested a lot of time learning how to teach close reading. My third graders would love the kits!
Very interested!
I would love the printables too!
Very interested!!!!
I am very interested! I'd love the printables. =)
I am very interested! I'd love the printables too. =)
What a genius idea! I would love these files to put to into my everyday use. I never ever thought about individual packs… Genius I tell ya!
I would love the printables!!
I would love these!
What a fun idea. Thanks for sharing. And I'm very jealous of those triangle highlighters. I bet the kids love them!!!
Melissa
Wild About Fifth
I would ❤️❤️❤️❤️this for my firsties!!!😍😍
Printables would be fantastic!!! Also, will the comp files unit eventually include passages that aren't "winter" or will there be another unit? Thanks!!!
This is great! Would love to see the printables uploaded:)
This is a great idea! I would love to see the printables. I have been using your Winter Comprehension Files. I can already see such a change in my students in how they cite their text evidence! Thanks!