SHELL EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES 54 11 Chapter 1: The Gear Model 17 © 136447—Short Texts, Big Impact Reading Strategies for Short Texts Core Reading Strategy #1: Annotation Annotation is a tried-and-true method for deepening understanding of text. Mike Schmoker calls annotating a kind of teacher-modeled think-aloud. “Through frequent modeling of reading, underlining, and annotating…we can accelerate the attainment of core intellectual skills by several years,” leaving students “ready to practice [critical reading] themselves alone, then in pairs—with our guidance” (2018, 105). Active readers connect to background knowledge, decode words, encode meaning, grapple with syntax, visualize images, and synthesize elements simultaneously when reading a text. Reading and annotating requires even more multitasking from a reader. This is especially true for striving readers still developing their skills and when students are reading challenging texts for the first time. To support these readers, I explicitly teach annotation in layers, focusing on one thing at a time. Kelly Gallagher calls this first- and second-draft reading (2004). Annotations can be done on any text for any purpose. Perhaps students need to trace the events in the text to show chronology. Perhaps they need to link causes and effects. Students don’t need to annotate a text in its entirety if only some sections prove tricky. The key is working in layers: Readers should look for one thing at a time, returning to the text for a new purpose and using new annotation markings each time. The general process is the same each time so students will become comfortable with the task. We want them to build automaticity with the act of reading and reentering the text in layers. You can change the annotation task based on the demands of the text or the skill of the moment (e.g., plot, figurative language, persuasive elements). I have done annotations to look at techniques as broad as organization and as narrow as pronoun usage. 1. Decide what sections of the text warrant further study. Perhaps it is the most important bit of the text or an especially complicated section. Not every word or sentence needs to be annotated. Consider what would help students unpack the meaning of that section. 2. Provide students with a copy of the text with numbered paragraphs, or have students number the paragraphs before beginning. This allows the class to navigate the text quickly. 3. Have students give the text an initial read. You may opt to read the text aloud or have students read silently. 4. Take a few moments to have students jot down their initial thoughts and reactions. Ask questions such as these: What is the text mainly about? What is the main idea? Skills and Topics for Annotation Layers ■ Summarizing chunks or paragraphs ■ Identifying and distinguishing people (names, pronouns, groups) ■ Locating key events or steps ■ Identifying evidence and reasons ■ Locating figurative language ■ Tracing motifs and symbols ■ Connecting cause to effect Be prepared to respond to a wide range of potentially tough questions and sensitive concerns posed by young children. · Provides guidance on how to approach specific topics related to family, illness and death, social issues, and upheaval and violence · Fully based in developmentally appropriate practice, this book helps educators support young children in a way that preserves their dignity and innocence when they encounter world and social events in addition to honoring the family’s preferred approach · Empowers educators and families to answer sensitive or tough questions children pose, respond to their worries and concerns, and be prepared for an ongoing dialogue Be prepared to respond to a wide range of potentially tough questions and sensitive concerns posed by young children. · Provides guidance on how to approach specific topics related to family, illness and death, social issues, and upheaval and violence · Fully based in developmentally appropriate practice, this book helps educators support young children in a way that preserves their dignity and innocence when they encounter world and social events in addition to honoring the family’s preferred approach · Empowers educators and families to answer sensitive or tough questions children pose, respond to their worries and concerns, and be prepared for an ongoing dialogue Short Texts, Big Impact 35 Strategies for Strengthening Reading and Writing Skills! Grades K–12 Pub Date: July 2025 Paperback 144 pages Trim Size: 8.5 in. x 11 in. 9798765929391 by Kim Carlton Academic Intervention Success A Whole-Child Approach to K-5 Achievement Grades K–5 Pub Date: July 2025 Paperback 208 pages Trim Size: 7.25 in. x 9.25 in. 9798330903740 by Susan M Strom and Lucy L Payne
2025 International Rights Guide
| Title Name |
Pages |
Delete |
Url |
| Empty |
Ai generated response may be inaccurate.
Search Text Block
Page #page_num
#doc_title
Hi $receivername|$receiveremail,
$sendername|$senderemail wrote these comments for you:
$message
$sendername|$senderemail would like for you to view the following digital edition.
Please click on the page below to be directed to the digital edition:
$thumbnail$pagenum
$link$pagenum
Your form submission was a success.
Downloading PDF
Generating your PDF, please wait...
This process might take longer please wait
