Illuminating Comprehension and Close Reading [Hardcover]

Grasping the meaning of a text enables K-8 students to appreciate its language and structure through close reading, which in turn leads to deeper comprehension. This book explains the relationship between comprehension and close reading and offers step-by-step guidelines for teaching both of these key elements of literacy. Reproducible lessons are shared for eight engaging texts (excerpts from fiction, nonfiction, and poetry), complete with discussion tips, queries that scaffold comprehension, close reading activities, and connections to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The authors model lesson development and guide teachers in constructing their own lessons. Texts for 10 additional lessons are provided in the Appendix. Purchasers get access to a Web page where they can download and print all 18 texts in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size.

"If you think you already know all you need to about close reading, think again. Beck and Sandora have produced one of the most effective, comprehensive resources I've seen for professional development in reading comprehension. The format is user friendly, and the lessons are well described and engaging. This book should be on every teacher’s desk, and it is a 'must have' for students in teacher education programs and for reading specialists and professional development providers. Administrators, take note: this book demonstrates what you should be looking for when evaluating an excellent reading lesson."--Rachel L. McCormack, EdD, Professor of Literacy Education, School of Education, Roger Williams University

"This book is a home run! Educators looking to implement a comprehensive approach to planning deep and meaningful lessons will appreciate this powerful resource. Beck and Sandora demystify the comprehension and close reading puzzle and provide instructional routines, text-based examples, and practical commentary. Reading the book feels like you are engaglC±