Reading With Purpose- Skills for Comprehending & Analyzing Complex Texts

This class supports students who plan to read challenging texts like detailed textbooks, complex literature, poetry, or standardized test preparation materials. This practice involves finding deeper meanings and organizing connections, helping students to study, write papers, or create projects. These active reading strategies will equip your student with the tools to tackle any challenging reading.

I will adapt both the lessons and materials to match your student's needs. If your student already has a challenging text to read, we will use that for our practice. The course will follow this schedule: 

Week 1, day 1: 
-Discuss the different purposes for reading, and identify one for your student.
-Learn how to annotate.
-Modeling the process & questions
-Access to resources for support

Week 1, day 2: 
-Review the information from the last session.
-Annotate a sample as a class or in small groups.
-Share our findings & debrief on the process.
-Whole group feedback & questions
-Discuss text options for next week's assignment.
Homework: Locate a text of your own choosing for next week's annotations. 

Week 2, day 1:
-Discuss the texts selected & choose a purpose for annotating.
-Establish a key & begin in-class practice with guidance as needed.
-If annotations are complete, submit them for feedback. If you are still in progress, there will be time to work next session.
-Debrief & questions

Week 2, day 2: 
-Finish any remaining work on annotations with guidance as needed. 
-Whole class feedback & discussion
-Individual feedback with conference 
-If another teacher assigned a final product (i.e. paper or project), we will discuss the next steps. We can schedule further appointments for support as needed. 

Students do not need prior knowledge to build this skill. However, this practice is the foundation of many complex products. Essay drafting, research, and studying are all made easier with purposeful annotating.