2nd Grade Close Reading Activities

By Frank Murray


Literature tends to be complicated at first glance. To better understand the manner in which words are used certain strategies should be put to use. 2nd grade close reading activities are methods aimed at assisting students to understand different passages. In order to grasp this concept students need to work closely with their teachers.

With time, the readers start becoming familiar with the strategy and start to read and reread independently. This helps them to master the strategy and have a deeper understanding of the content of the texts they are reading. Nurturing the skills requires time and different techniques. The following tips can help you strengthen close reading among your students.

Those who come to teach should already be experts. This is because the classroom environment is quite challenging especially when a new and possibly difficult topic is being introduced. Having the right skill equals preparation for whatever question may be asked. This will further give those learning confidence in their teachers. Carrying out demonstrations is the best way for students to understand what they are expected to do.

One should not just choose random texts for the purpose of this work. There should be a certain aim one has that will guide in selection of passages. An individual seeking to evoke different discussions will look at comprehensions that are likely to have different interpretations. This will bring about healthy discussion. Students need to be challenged a little. Selecting stretch texts will occupy most of their time as they involve lots of reading.

Always ensure that you set a reason for reading. Once your students have read a text through once, assist them to dig deeper by setting specific purpose for rereading it. That purpose may be aimed to identify a concept or theme. Providing students with something specific that they can focus on needs they go back to the text and pay much focus to it.

A question session must be set aside to see if the students are okay at different points. Those who have properly understood may state something specific from what they have read without necessarily rereading through the whole thing. Such students have shown good understanding. Students should feel free to discuss on related topics that they have previously heard of. If there is no proper comprehension, teachers need to re-strategize.

Discussions can be held during the session as reading goes on. Information about phrases that stand out in the read can be stated as their meanings are expounded on. Different literary tools put to use can also be noted. All this is meant to encourage individuals to think and share what they have in mind.

When you start letting questions and ideas of the students take the lead, you will find that your class is more invested in reading. You will play the role of keeping them grounded to the process of learning. As you probe into the questions of your students, you will learn more about where your students are and provide them with opportunities to deeply engage with the text. Ultimately, you will be learning everything you can from the students.




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