What is Close Reading?

Do Now

On your markerboards:

1. Write YOUR definition of close reading.

2. How do you close read?

What is it?

Close reading uncovers layers of meaning that lead to understanding.

This can be a novel, article, picture, song and people.

How do we do it?

Sometimes, re-read the text.

Use LENSES to find details.

Uncover MOTIFS to pave new understandings.

Create new IDEAS and revise your thinking (with evidence).

As you look at the picture, what goes through your mind?

At first glance, after the quick reading, I am thinking, ‘Oh, it’s a boy and a dog.’

But then, I take a longer look, and I notice some details in the picture. • The boy is talking to the

dog, that he is leaning in and holding the dog’s leg firmly.

• It appears that the dog is in the boy’s lap.

• The dog looks relaxed and somewhat content with the position he is in in relation to the boy.

• It also appears that they are in a park and that the dog has some sort of scarf around its neck.

Now that we know the central idea or message…

What was the artist trying to depict in this picture?• We could wonder about the relationship between the boy and the dog.

• Portrayed a utopia vision of what childhood should look like, where every child has a pet.

• Stereotype is portrayed in the picture about how every child should have a pet and be in love with his best friend.”

What are some strategies I just used to close read that picture?

1. First glance. Ask yourself:

• What is this text really about? What is the central idea, theme or message?

2. Second read: A longer look. Ask yourself:

• Now let’s look through the lens of text evidence. What is the narrator saying/doing/thinks to back up that claim?

Nick Jonas, “Jealous”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw04QD1LaB0

While watching, take notes on the side of the paper about the visuals of the video. Think of the props and words that you see.

What are some strategies I just used to close read that song?

1. First glance. Ask yourself:

• What is this text really about? What is the central idea, theme or message?

2. Second read: A longer look. Ask yourself:

• Now let’s look through the lens of text evidence. What is the narrator saying/doing/thinks to back up that claim?

Take some notes about the song…

First glance: What is this text really about? What is the central idea, theme or message?

Second read: A longer look. Ask yourself: Now let’s look through the lens of text evidence. What is the narrator saying/doing/thinks to back up that claim?

Nick really loves his girlfriend and doesn’t want anyone to mistreat her.

He’s jealous and overprotective which may be scary.

Evidence:• “Remain Calm” written in the video• “I’m getting red in the face/You can call me

obsessed”• “I wish you didn’t have to post at all”• “I said there’s no one else for you”

Now, let’s look at a song

Taylor Swift, “Blank Space”

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-ORhEE9VVg

Now that we’ve listened to the song…

First glance: What is this text really about? What is the central idea, theme or message?

Second read: A longer look. Ask yourself: Now let’s look through the lens of text evidence. What is the narrator saying/doing/thinks to back up that claim?

Taylor Swift had many boyfriends, she’s unstable, yet still optimistic to find love.

Taylor Swift is unstable and malicious to all boyfriends that have scorned her, yet, she still has hope to find love.Evidence:• “You’re the King, baby, I’m your Queen”• “But I’ve got a blank space, baby/ and I’ll write

your name”• Man was texting while he was with her so she

went into a jealous rage of ruining clothing and pictures.