Common Core Focus on the Text

The current issue of AFT's American Educator contains this interesting piece on close reads.  While the author acknowledges the importance of prior knowledge in the comprehension of a text, he cautions teachers to be selective in their pre-reading practices.  Additionally, he points out the inherent hazards of  blindly following the Common Core push for asking text-dependent questions.  Are the text-dependent questions that we are asking worthwhile?  Are they promoting higher level thinking according to Bloom's Taxonomy?  For that matter, are the texts themselves worthy of exploration in the classroom? 

Happy reading,
Christine

Coliseum Lesson

Yesterday's Newsday contained this article on the two finalists for the redevelopment of the Nassau Coliseum.  If I were teaching summer school in Nassau County, I would use this informational text as a multi-day lesson for my students.  After a close read of the text, we would complete a compare/contrast activity, and culminate with a written argument in which students defend their choice of the better option for the county.  To launch debate, I might ask students if it is right to allow MSG to have such a vice grip on New York sports.  When it is so expensive for families to go see professional sports, should MSG be allowed to control this arena too?  What about the fact that the Ratner group brought the Islanders from Nassau to the Barclays Center?  When families want to see any New York sports, they will continue to have to do so at the terms (prices) set forth by very powerful companies.

Happy reading,
Christine
Literacy Connections Blog