Effective Close Reads in Math
Effective Close Reads in Math
What is close reading? How does it relate to the new Common Core Standards?
As described by the NYS Education Department: Shift 4 in the Common Core Curriculum emphasizes "creating opportunities for students to have deep, evidence-based conversations about text." Teaching students to read closely is an essential element of the new Common Core Standards for reading.
Special Considerations for "technical subjects" such as Science and Math:
Consider providing student opportunities to read deeply "technical reading" from text that include procedures, directions. That said, close reading is not reading as usual. Close reading is also not simply reading for comprehension.
Keep in mind the standard:
- Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
Learning Outcomes
This mini-course workshop will guide teachers through the steps to creating an effective close reading activity for their Math 7 students. They will learn how to select a text, create evidence-based questions and conduct a close reading activity.
Needs Assessment
1. Instructional problem:
- Ever hear the question, Why do we have to do this? This question is being asked by teachers regarding the idea of conducting close reads in their classrooms. With the Common Core Initiative, followed by the modules, teachers are saying there is no time for a close read.
2. The nature of what is to be learned:
- Teachers will learn how to develop effective close reads in their classrooms, while still maintaining their curriculum pacing.
3. About the learners:
- The learners are Math 7 teachers in NYS.
4. Instructional content:
- Participants will use Math 7 Common Core Curriculum Standards to develop Close Reads.
5. Explore instructional problem/solution:
- The problem is time. The solution is developing close reads using the Math 7 Common Core Standards to enhance depth of knowledge while maintaining curriculum pacing.
6. Generate goals:
- Each participant will be able to develop an effective close read for their classroom.
Performance Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- Understand the importance of a close read.
- Select a text/problem for a close read.
- Develop evidence based questions for the close read.
- Conduct a close read in their classroom.
Task Analysis
The Prerequisites for Participants will be a firm understanding of the Math 7 Common Core Standards related to the following:
- Ratio & Proportions
- The Number System
- Expressions and Equations
- Geometry
- Statistics and Probability
Curriculum Map
File:ClosereadCurriculummap.doc
Reflection
As a math teacher this is one of the most difficult topics to initiate. At first glance the thought is to find some text that is math related that the students can dissect, discuss, reflect and initiate deep understanding. Text can be in the form of a math problem, that will be thought provoking, initiate deep understanding, relevant, rigorous and provide time for reflection. This mini course will lead Math 7 teachers to find effective standards to conduct a close read on, through independent and group work. Using reflection to further our understanding will be a key component of our charge. Furthermore, it will develop that deep understanding to create the college and career ready students for the future.