Closer Reading, Grades 3-6

A former classroom teacher and professor of reading, Nancy Boyles is a literacy consultant, who provides workshops, model lessons, and curriculum support to districts and organizations nationally, regionally, and locally. Over the course of her career she has received numerous awards , including New England Reading Association's Outstanding Literacy Leader Award and Connecticut Reading Association's Celebrate Literacy Award for exemplary service.

Foreword by Laura Robb Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1. Closer Reading: Closer Than What? Chapter 2. Choosing a Complex Text for Close Reading Chapter 3. Getting in the Mindset of Close Reading Chapter 4. Supporting Readers Before Close Reading Chapter 5. Supporting Readers During Close Reading Chapter 6. Supporting Readers After Close Reading Chapter 7. Moving Students Toward Independence in Close Reading Chapter 8. Digging Deeper in Close Reading Through Rereading, Small-Group Instruction, and Independent Reading Chapter 9. Close Reading for the Common Core--and More Appendices Appendix I. Templates for Designing Close Reading Lessons Preparing for Close Reading Planning for Close Reading Appendix II. Sample Lesson Plan for Shared Reading: "She Was THAT Kind of Lady" Text Selection and Preparation for Close Reading Lesson Planner for Close Reading Appendix III. Templates for After Reading Template 1: Most Important Words Template 2: Theme Chart Template 3: Gist Statement and Brief Summary Template 4: Noticing Text Structure and Genre Template 5: Evidence From First Close Reading of a Text Template 6: Paraphrase It! Template 7: Words That Show Tone Template 8: Looking Into Illustrations Template 9: Viewing a Video Template 10: Reading a Photograph Template 11: Evaluating an Argument Template 12: Reading and Evaluating a Primary Source Template 13: Reading Like a Scientist Template 14: Reading Like a Historian Appendix IV. Websites for Short Texts Appendix V. Bibliography of Picture Books for Close Reading Works Cited Index

"It's a comfort knowing that at last there's a book about close reading that honors and respects the needs of teachers in the intermediate grades. You will read, dog ear pages, study the book with team members, and revisit and reread parts on your own. It is a must-have book for your professional library and for professional learning communities!" -- Laura Robb, Author of Unlocking Complex Texts "Nancy Boyles does a superb job of explaining close reading and when teachers should have students engage with it. Through the wealth of practical teaching ideas she offers herein, she reminds us that reading is purpose driven. . . . The result is that teachers and students alike understand when to read close and, as important, not so close!" -- Michael F. Opitz, Coauthor of Good-bye Round Robin, Updated Edition "This is the book you have been waiting for! With keen insight and explicit attention to detail, Nancy Boyles provides the resources you need, just when you need them. Closer Reading is a 'must have' for all literacy leaders, administrators, and teachers who want to see their students gain a deeper understanding of reading comprehension." -- Cathy Mastrianna, President,Connecticut Reading Association "Nancy Boyles' Closer Reading, Grades 3-6, is my new 'go-to' book for sorting through the myths, mystique, uncertainties, and questions surrounding the close reading of complex text and, more importantly, the positioning of readers, writers, learners, and teachers as they navigate close reading within and beyond a standards-based curriculum." -- Jane Wellman-Little, President, New England Reading Association "Nancy's ability to 'sit on your shoulder' as she guides you to understand the real meaning of close reading, choose appropriate text for an authentic purpose, and assess its effectiveness--all while building on our prior knowledge and affirming our passion and commitment to be better teachers--is like no other. . . This outstanding resource is a 'must-have' professional text." -- Barbara E. Mechler, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, New Fairfield, CT "Dr. Nancy Boyles combines her vast knowledge of literacy, the Common Core Standards, and best practices for students as she guides our understanding of close reading: what it is, what it isn't, and how to embed it into daily instruction. . . . This book is a treasure of knowledge and practical teaching practices that won't collect dust on any shelf." -- Jen Tapia, Director of Professional Development, Aurora Public Schools, IL