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Strategies for Teaching Close Reading to Newcomers: A Guide for ESL Educators

Adventures in ESL: A Podcast for K-12 ESL Teachers

Release Date: 01/13/2025

Ep. 164 New ESL Teacher? What You Need To Be Doing Now show art Ep. 164 New ESL Teacher? What You Need To Be Doing Now

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Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re diving into effective strategies for teaching close reading to ESL newcomers! Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting your journey, these actionable tips will help you empower your language learners and create meaningful learning experiences.

Episode Highlights:

  1. Building Background Knowledge:

    • Learn why background knowledge is essential for newcomers to access and understand texts.

    • Practical ideas: Think-alouds, picture walks, vocabulary banks, videos, and virtual or in-person field trips.

  2. Teaching Academic Vocabulary:

    • Discover the importance of explicitly teaching key vocabulary to boost comprehension.

    • Strategies include defining words, providing context, using visuals, and limiting daily vocabulary to 3-5 words.

  3. Close Reading Process:

    • Breakdown of the three stages of close reading:

      • First Reading: Focus on comprehension with level 1 and level 2 text-dependent questions.

      • Second Reading: Explore text structures and purposes (e.g., cause and effect, compare and contrast).

      • Third Reading: Analyze meaning through inferences, connections, and personal interpretations.

  4. Culminating Activities:

    • Ideas for creative projects: Writing assignments, comic strips, podcasts, and more.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

Key Takeaways:
Close reading is a transformative strategy that equips newcomers with critical language skills. By building background knowledge, teaching vocabulary, and guiding purposeful readings, you create a supportive environment where students thrive.

Action Steps:

  • Start incorporating close reading into your lessons with the strategies shared today.

  • Explore our ready-made resources to save time and elevate your teaching.

  • Share this episode with fellow educators who would benefit from these strategies!

 

Thank you for joining today’s episode! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and visit My Adventures in ESL for more tips and resources to support your teaching journey.