Teaching Students to Read Like Detectives: Comprehending, Analyzing, and Discussing Text

Okay, they "stole" my teaching style. When I began this year with my ESL students, I informed them that we weren't reading for entertainment or pleasure, but for information. The state-mandated STAAR End of Course tests are now inference-based and this requires a different approach to reading selections. I have always said (and I know I purloined this from someone else) "Great minds think alike." I just wish I had been the first to get it in print. Students truly do need to "Read Like Detectives."

We started the Argumentative Reading unit, and I bought "Teaching Argument Writing" by George Hillocks like a dutiful teacher, but this book was much better. It provided great phrasing for discussions, similar to the organizers my district recommended by Jim Burke, and the language frames have been awesome. I peaked at the other chapters in this book and it covers the large range that my district approved units will discuss. It does a great job of breaking down information to explain to students, it provides great frames and resources, without talking about the theories. This is not a theory book but a great resource and information book.

Based on the Common Core State Standards, this book discusses close reading of text and provides instruction on how to dig deeper into to text. Perfect for a book study on text complexity. It is based ono the premise that comprehension occurs through text-based analysis and discussions. The book points out that we as a people are becoming our own editors as we can in a world filled with electronic devices. People gravitate toward information that confirms their own viewpoints, thus discussion is rarer as people have multiple options to avoid oppoising views; we can always find someone to commiserate with! "Asking questions, discussing concepts, and formulating opinions are quintessential to becoming our own editors." Check out the table of contents which contains a myriad of text-based strategies, scaffolding, and discussion on narrative, expository, and multiple media text. This book offers suggestions to improve daily instruction across the curriculum. A must read book.

This book was in amazing shape. I will be using it for my classroom.Thanks

A great book whether you're new to these ideas or familiar with them. These authors give useful ways to incorporate principles being adapted as the Common Core Standards.

This book is awesome! IT is full of so many useful and applicable ideas to use in the classroom. I have already tried several of them -- successfully. My coworkers are probably tired of hearing me rave about it, but I can't help it. With so many thought-provoking ideas, it will keep my mind busy for a long while.

Excellent condition for a great price

I helped lead a book study on this text at work. It gives some great ideas for helping students read for a deeper comprehension.