I am currently a 2nd grade teacher at a public school in Arkansas, with 7 years of teaching experience. I hold a Master's Degree in Elementary Education, and am certified for P-8. I also hold a P-12 certification in ESL. I have taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grade.
My teaching specialties are reading, science, and technology, although I love every subject. I am a computer programmer, and absolutely LOVE using the flipped classroom technique and new technology in my classroom.
I am currently a 2nd grade teacher at a public school in Arkansas, with 7 years of teaching experience. I hold a Master's Degree in Elementary Education, and am certified for P-8. I also hold a P-12 certification in ESL. I have taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grade.
My teaching specialties are reading, science, and technology, although I love every subject. I am a computer programmer, and absolutely LOVE using the flipped classroom technique and new technology in my classroom.
This nonfiction close reading activity is designed to teach students about the Dewey Decimal system while encouraging reading comprehension with tasks and repeated reading. This passage, directions, and questions are designed for students to read repeatedly, read with a partner, read looking for information, and then answer questions based on the text they have read.
The 10 questions that go with this passage span DOK levels 1-4, as well as a variety of Bloom's taxonomy levels. Students begin with simple questions which ask them basic reading comprehension questions, and lead into deeper understanding tasks.
This activity is perfect for a regular ELA session or for a substitute teacher, as the materials are print and go ready! It is designed specifically to encourage the type of reading and thinking necessary for PARCC, ACT Aspire, and STARR. Great test prep at your fingertips!
This Fiction Close Reading Activities Bundle contains ALL of the fiction close reading activities from my store. As new fictional close reading activities are added to my store, they will be added to this bundle. When new items are added, the price of this bundle will increase as well, although it will always be a discount over purchasing each close read individually. If you purchase this bundle now, all new updates with new close reads will be available to you, free, with a re-download from your My Resources page.
The sooner you purchase the bundle, the better the price! Currently, the discount is at 17%.
9 close reading activities are currently included in this download, ready to print and go!
These close reading activities have students focus first on reading the passage multiple times while searching for unknown words, new concepts, and key points. Then, the students answer questions ranging from Knowledge to Synthesis on Bloom's Taxonomy.
The nature of close reading, as well as the passage and questions lend this activity to Standardized Test Practice as well. The questions and activities are designed to help students practice analyzing a difficult, technical nonfiction text and respond to a variety of questions in preparation for similar techniques used in ACT Aspire and PARCC testing, as well as on the SATs. Close reading is a strategy that is encouraged through Common Core and most state standards, and is best completed with short passages such as the ones provided here.
Files currently included (Some are in sets of 2):
* A Face for a Pumpkin
* Back To School - How I Spent My Summer Vacation & Back to School
* The Lighthouse & The Camping Trip
*Pardon Me! A Turkey's Story
*The Perfect Christmas Tree
*Space: Jack's Asteroid Adventure & The Sky's the Limit
Jack is working for his father, setting up an asteroid for mining in this fictional outer space close read sure to grab the attention of boys (and girls!) and reluctant readers!
The Sky's The Limit-at least, that's what this astronaut's mother always told him! This close read is only one page long, perfect for shorter class periods or lots of class discussion or modeling. Written on a 5th grade level, the passage is written so that the questions and reading instructions have students focusing on word choice, repeated phrases, and author's meaning.
"Jack's Asteroid Adventure" and "The Sky's the Limit" are close reading passage and questions designed to teach students reading comprehension and text analysis strategies. Designed for students to first read independently and then again with a partner, these activities encourage students to reread text, while teaching them strategies for close reading. The nature of close reading, as well as the passage and questions lend this activity to Standardized Test Practice. The reading passages are written on a middle-of-the-year 4th grade Reading Level. This makes the passage ideal for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students, as 3rd grade students can focus on reading closely with harder texts, and 5th grade students can focus on making sure to read simple texts closely.
Close reading is a strategy that is encouraged through Common Core, best completed with short passages such as the one provided here. The seven questions in each activity range from basic knowledge to inference.
Two fictional close reading activities have been combined for use in your classroom.
The Camping Trip: A Fictional Close Reading Activity contains a fictional passage about two friends who go camping and meet an unexpected creature.
The Lighthouse: A Fictional Close Reading Activity is the fictional story of a man who is struggling with the idea of his traditional lighthouse being replaced by a computerized, electric lighthouse.
Designed for 4th and 5th grade students, these close reading activities have students focus first on reading the story multiple times while searching for unknown words, literary devices, and key points. Then, the students answer questions ranging from Knowledge to Synthesis on Bloom's Taxonomy.
The nature of close reading, as well as the passage and questions lend these activities to Standardized Test Practice as well. Designed to help students with ACT Aspire and PARCC practice, I have tried to create a variety of lengths, topics, and levels of difficulty in my close reading activities. This passage is a longer fictional passage, with 4 pages of double-spaced text.
2 Close Reading Activities in one!
This set contains 2 fictional Back To School themed close reading activities for 3rd-5th grade students. The first passage is titled "Back To School", and the second is titled "How I Spent My Summer Vacation."
Back to School:
Sally and Jordan learn that there is nothing to be scared of when going back to school in this fictional short reading activity.
"Back to School: A Fictional Close Read for 3rd-5th Grade" is a close reading passage and questions designed to teach students reading comprehension and text analysis strategies. The nature of close reading, as well as the passage and questions lend this activity to Standardized Test Practice as well. The reading passage is written on an end-of-the-year 3rd grade Reading Level. This makes the passage ideal for 4th and 5th grade students at back to school time, either as review of close reading strategies, or as a first close reading activity.
James discovers that his summer vacation really wasn't that boring as he writes his classic beginning of the year essay, "How I Spent My Summer Vacation."
How I Spent My Summer Vacation:
"How I Spent My Summer Vacation: A Fictional Close Read for 3rd-5th Grade" is a close reading passage and questions designed to teach students reading comprehension and text analysis strategies. The nature of close reading, as well as the passage and questions lend this activity to Standardized Test Practice. The reading passage is written on an end-of-the-year 4th grade Reading Level. This makes the passage ideal for 4th and 5th grade students at back to school time, either as review of close reading strategies, or as a first close reading activity.
The Perfect Christmas Tree: A Winter Close Read is the fictional story of a boy who starts out with a detailed list on how to choose the perfect tree. As the story unfolds, Charles learns the importance of understanding and using lists and rules when making decisions. Designed for 4th and 5th grade students, this close reading activity has students focus first on reading the story multiple times while searching for unknown words, literary devices, and key points. Then, the students answer questions ranging from Knowledge to Synthesis on Bloom's Taxonomy.
This close reading passage has a Lexile level of 610L.
The nature of close reading, as well as the passage and questions lend this activity to Standardized Test Practice as well. Close reading is a strategy that is encouraged through Common Core, best completed with short passages such as the one provided here.
Pardon Me! A Turkey's Story is a fictional Thanksgiving-based close reading activity that tells the story of the White House turkey pardoning tradition from the eyes of Pumpkin the turkey. Designed for 4th and 5th grade students, this close reading activity has students focus first on reading the story multiple times while searching for unknown words, literary devices, and key points. Then, the students answer questions ranging from Knowledge to Synthesis on Bloom's Taxonomy.
This close reading passage has a Lexile level of 710L.
The nature of close reading, as well as the passage and questions lend this activity to Standardized Test Practice as well. Close reading is a strategy that is encouraged through Common Core, best completed with short passages such as the one provided here.
A Face for a Pumpkin-that's what Corey wants to make when he gets home! In this close reading activity written on a middle-year 3rd grade level, Corey fails to make a jack o' lantern until his dad walks him through the steps. This is a fun fictional read that gets students to look closely at "how-to" writing. In the end, after studying the text for key words and transitions and answering questions, students are asked to write their own how-to passage.
A fun Halloween or Fall activity, this close read is all about jack-o-lanterns and "how to" writing. If you have students who do not celebrate Halloween, or if you school does not celebrate Halloween, this activity is perfect for you! The word "Halloween" is not included in the passage or questions, and other related concepts such as trick-or-treating are not mentioned as well.
Designed for students to first read independently and then again with a partner, this activity encourages students to reread text, while teaching them strategies for close reading.
The nature of close reading, as well as the passage and questions lend this activity to Standardized Test Practice. This specific close read was created with Standardized Test Prep in mind, and the questions have the look and feel of Benchmark/SAT 9 test questions. The reading passage is written on a middle of the year 3rd grade Reading Level, which makes the passage ideal for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. They can focus on reading closely and paying attention to the text, without getting stuck by too difficult concepts and words.
Close reading is a strategy that is encouraged through Common Core, best completed with short passages such as the one provided here.
Got boys that love sports but hate to read??
Here's a non-fiction passage about the history of basketball sure to get them geared up to try out the original rules at recess, while giving you an awesome assessment of their close reading skills!
"The History of Basketball: A Non-Fiction Close Read for 4th-6th Grade" is a close reading passage and questions designed to engage students in close reading, reading comprehension strategies by presenting a non-fiction sports-based passage. Students who love sports will enjoy this article on the origin of Basketball, reviewing the original rules of Basketball, and having the opportunity to create their own game and rules with a partner. The nature of close reading, as well as the passage and questions lend this activity to Standardized Test Practice as well. The reading passage is written on a beginning-of-the-year 6th grade Reading Level. This makes the passage ideal for 4th and 5th grade students, because the nature of the assignment leads them to read closely for a greater understanding of a more difficult text. It is also ideal for 6th graders who need practice focusing on reading comprehension and question-answering strategies.
Close reading is a strategy that is encouraged through Common Core, best completed with short passages such as the one provided here. The seven questions range from basic knowledge to inference.
"Columbus Day: A Close Read for 4th-6th Grade" is a close reading passage and questions designed to teach students about the national holiday Columbus Day, while also teaching reading comprehension and strategies. Students will learn a little about why we celebrate Columbus Day in America, and why Columbus is an important historical figure. The nature of close reading, as well as the passage and questions lend this activity to Standardized Test Practice as well. The reading passage is written on an end-of-the-year 5th grade Reading Level. This makes the passage ideal for 4th and 5th grade students, because the nature of the assignment leads them to read closely for a greater understanding of a more difficult text. Within the passage, Columbus Day is presented in a non-fiction format.
Close reading is a strategy that is encouraged through Common Core, best completed with short passages such as the one provided here. The seven questions range from basic knowledge to inference.
This Nonfiction Close Reading Activites Bundle contains ALL of the nonfiction close reading activities from my store. As new nonfiction close reading activities are added to my store, they will be added to this bundle. When new items are added, the price of this bundle will increase as well, although it will always be a discount over purchasing each close read individually. If you purchase this bundle now, all new updates with new close reads will be available to you, free, with a re-download from your My Resources page.
The sooner you purchase the bundle, the better the price! Currently, the discount is at 16%.
9 close reading activities are currently included in this download, ready to print and go!
These close reading activities have students focus first on reading the passage multiple times while searching for unknown words, new concepts, and key points. Then, the students answer questions ranging from Knowledge to Synthesis on Bloom's Taxonomy.
The nature of close reading, as well as the passage and questions lend this activity to Standardized Test Practice as well. The questions and activities are designed to help students practice analyzing a difficult, technical nonfiction text and respond to a variety of questions in preparation for similar techniques used in ACT Aspire and PARCC testing, as well as on the SATs. Close reading is a strategy that is encouraged through Common Core and most state standards, and is best completed with short passages such as the ones provided here.
Files currently included:
*Bridges
*Castles
*Drones
*Properties of Flight
*American Constitution
*Thermal Energy
*Columbus Day
*The History of Basketball
*Dewey Decimal System
Castles: A Nonfiction Close Reading Activity is a nonfiction passage describing the traditional European castle from the Middle Ages. This excerpt was written for students to practice text analysis on a slightly more difficult, technical passage. It is designed in such a way that students should be able to analyze the text and respond to testing-style questions without having prior knowledge. This close reading activity fits well with 5th grade Common Core's Medieval Times unit, or as a History integration piece for any classroom.
Designed for 5th and 6th grade students, this close reading activity has students focus first on reading the technical excerpt multiple times while searching for unknown words, new concepts, and key points. Then, the students answer questions ranging from Knowledge to Synthesis on Bloom's Taxonomy.
The nature of close reading, as well as the passage and questions lend this activity to Standardized Test Practice as well. The questions and activities are designed to help students practice analyzing a difficult, technical nonfiction text and respond to a variety of questions in preparation for similar techniques used in PARCC & ACT Aspire testing. Close reading is a strategy that is encouraged through Common Core, best completed with short passages such as the one provided here.
The American Constitution is introduced in this nonfiction close reading passage providing a brief summary of the history and main function of the Constitution. Using nonfiction text features such as subheadings, this text introduces the concept behind switching from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution, the disagreements with creating too strong of a federal government, and the system of checks and balances and compromises made to encourage ratification. This short passage does not go into details about the specific articles of the Confederation, or the rights guaranteed by the Constitution, as it is only designed to serve as an overview or introduction to the document.This passage is designed in such a way that students should be able to analyze the text and respond to testing-style questions without having prior knowledge of the Constitution. This close reading activity is perfect for PARCC or ACT Aspire practice and the integration of History into English Language Arts.
Designed for 6th-8th grade students, this close reading activity has students focus first on reading the excerpt multiple times while searching for unknown words, new concepts, and key points. Then, the students answer questions ranging from Knowledge to Synthesis on Bloom's Taxonomy.
The nature of close reading, as well as the passage and questions lend this activity to Standardized Test Practice as well. The questions and activities are designed to help students practice analyzing a difficult, technical nonfiction text and respond to a variety of questions in preparation for similar techniques used in PARCC & ACT Aspire testing. Close reading is a strategy that is encouraged through Common Core, best completed with short passages such as the one provided here.
A short nonfiction close reading passage providing a brief introduction to thermal energy transfer, heat, and kinetic energy. This text introduces students to the complex concepts of thermal energy, which are presented in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). This is a short passage, and is only designed to serve as an overview or introduction to the concept, or as practice for standardized testing using a topic with which few students have prior knowledge.This passage is designed in such a way that students should be able to analyze the text and respond to testing-style questions without having prior knowledge of thermal energy or energy transfer. This close reading activity is perfect for PARCC or ACT Aspire practice and the integration of Science into English Language Arts.
Designed for 5th-7th grade students, this close reading activity has students focus first on reading the excerpt multiple times while searching for unknown words, new concepts, and key points. Then, the students answer questions ranging from Knowledge to Synthesis on Bloom's Taxonomy.
The nature of close reading, as well as the passage and questions lend this activity to Standardized Test Practice as well. The questions and activities are designed to help students practice analyzing a difficult, technical nonfiction text and respond to a variety of questions in preparation for similar techniques used in PARCC testing. Close reading is a strategy that is encouraged through Common Core, best completed with short passages such as the one provided here.
Properties of Flight: A Nonfiction Close Reading Activity is a nonfiction description of the four main forces required for flight: lift, drag, thrust, and gravity. An excerpt written specifically by an engineer for students to practice text analysis, this passage may be considered more difficult for some students. It is designed in such a way that students should be able to analyze the text and respond to testing-style questions without having prior knowledge of these scientific concepts.
Designed for 5th and 6th grade students, this close reading activity has students focus first on reading the technical excerpt multiple times while searching for unknown words, new concepts, and key points. Then, the students answer questions ranging from Knowledge to Synthesis on Bloom's Taxonomy.
The nature of close reading, as well as the passage and questions lend this activity to Standardized Test Practice as well. The questions and activities are designed to help students practice analyzing a difficult, technical nonfiction text and respond to a variety of questions in preparation for similar techniques used in PARCC & ACT Aspire testing. Close reading is a strategy that is encouraged through Common Core, best completed with short passages such as the one provided here.
A short nonfiction close reading passage providing a brief introduction to the history and main uses and concerns with using drones in today's society. Using nonfiction text features such as subheadings and footers, this text introduces students to the complex and newly debated concept of drones and automated aircraft. This is a short passage, and is only designed to serve as an overview or introduction to the concept, or as practice for standardized testing using a topic with which few students have prior knowledge.This passage is designed in such a way that students should be able to analyze the text and respond to testing-style questions without having prior knowledge of drones, remote controlled aircraft, automaton, or aerial technology. This close reading activity is perfect for PARCC or ACT Aspire practice and the integration of Science into English Language Arts.
Designed for 6th-8th grade students, this close reading activity has students focus first on reading the excerpt multiple times while searching for unknown words, new concepts, and key points. Then, the students answer questions ranging from Knowledge to Synthesis on Bloom's Taxonomy.
The nature of close reading, as well as the passage and questions lend this activity to Standardized Test Practice as well. The questions and activities are designed to help students practice analyzing a difficult, technical nonfiction text and respond to a variety of questions in preparation for similar techniques used in PARCC & ACT Aspire testing. Close reading is a strategy that is encouraged through Common Core, best completed with short passages such as the one provided here.
Order of Operations Madness is a set of 2 worksheets that allow your students to practice Order of Operations using basketball brackets to increase their interest level. Students will enjoy using these worksheets to track numbers like their very own fantasy football teams, to find the winning number!
Included are both color and black and white copies of:
A PEMDAS reminder chart
A 16-team bracket worksheet
An 8-team bracket worksheet
Answer sheets for both
Meets Common Core State Standards:
CCSS.Math.Content.4.OA.A.3 Solve multistep word problems posed with whole numbers and having whole-number answers using the four operations.
CCSS.Math.Content.5.OA.A.1 Use parentheses, brackets, or braces in numerical expressions, and evaluate expressions with these symbols
CCSS.Math.Content.5.OA.A.2 Write simple expressions that record calculations with numbers, and interpret numerical expressions without evaluating them. For example, express the calculation “add 8 and 7, then multiply by 2” as 2 × (8 + 7). Recognize that 3 × (18932 + 921) is three times as large as 18932 + 921, without having to calculate the indicated sum or product.
Bridges: A Nonfiction Close Reading Activity is a nonfiction passage describing the four main traditional types of bridges. Beam bridges, arch bridges, trestle or truss bridges, and suspension bridges are introduced in the passage. Images are included for each bridge throughout the reading. This passage is designed in such a way that students should be able to analyze the text and respond to testing-style questions without having prior knowledge of the engineering or history of bridges. This close reading activity is perfect for both PARCC practice and the STEM or STEAM classroom.
Designed for 5th and 6th grade students, this close reading activity has students focus first on reading the technical excerpt multiple times while searching for unknown words, new concepts, and key points. Then, the students answer questions ranging from Knowledge to Synthesis on Bloom's Taxonomy.
The nature of close reading, as well as the passage and questions lend this activity to Standardized Test Practice as well. The questions and activities are designed to help students practice analyzing a difficult, technical nonfiction text and respond to a variety of questions in preparation for similar techniques used in ACT Aspire and PARCC testing. Close reading is a strategy that is encouraged through Common Core, best completed with short passages such as the one provided here.
These Christmas-themed multiplication story problem task cards are sure to please during the month of December! Each card is designed to help students practice Common Core standards for Operations and Algebraic Thinking for 3rd Grade. There are 28 cards with Christmas-themed word problems requiring one and two-step multiplication up to 12 x 12.
These task cards work well for independent or early-finisher work, small group work, assessments, and more! Students have the ability to self-check their answers by using the provided answer key.
Included:
* 28 full-color task cards with Christmas-themed story problems
* 4 full-color blank task cards
* 1 full-color recording sheet
* 1 full-color answer sheet
* All items above in grayscale
These Halloween-theme multi-step story problem task cards are sure to please during the month of October! Each card is designed to help students practice CCSS 4.OA.A.3 "Use the four operations with whole numbers to solve problems." There are 30 cards with Halloween-themed word problems, ranging from 2-step to 4-step questions. The questions use a variety of strategies in different combinations, but all four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) are required in order to solve all of the questions.
These task cards work well for independent or early-finisher work, small group work, assessments, and more! Students have the ability to self-check their answers by using the provided answer key.
Included:
* 30 full-color task cards with Halloween-themed story problems
* 2 full-color blank task cards
* 1 full-color recording sheet
* 1 full-color answer sheet
* All items above in grayscale
