Module 7 Video Discussion

This video illustrated two strategies that I typically use in my classroom. First, I handpick (when the curriculum allows room for flexibility) topics that I think will interest my middle schoolers, including books from international authors on a variety of subjects. Also, I organize (scaffold) my lessons in increasing order of complex tasks, specifically to help my students build their confidence while they progress.

The “Things Close Readers Do” poster at the front of the classroom is a great resource that students can simply look up and read if they hit a roadblock while close reading. One of the tips that the teacher gives is to circle or underline new vocabulary, and I definitely plan to use that strategy with my ELLs. It helps to demarcate the unfamiliar word so that they can refer back to it using context clues or simply gives them something to do before moving on so they don’t get stuck on that tricky word and fail to read the rest of the passage that might be easier.