keep it or junk it
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
Keep It or Junk ItA Close Reading Strategy
“Keep It or Junk It” is a non-fiction reading activity that gets students to focus on what they are reading and really understand it.
Leads to improved comprehensionEncourages critical thinkingEmphasis on using language; encourages
discussion & argument using vocabularyProvides practice analyzing & arguing
evidenceStudent-led; students take the lead in learningIncorporates collaborationEncourages participation & engagementIdeal for Science & Social Studies as well as
ELACommon Core ApPro
ved
Activity Essentials
• Select a short non-fiction passage• Develop a focus question • Several opportunities to read the
passage• “Keep It or Junk It” directions
(explicitly taught at first, then posted & reviewed throughout the activity)
• Ample time for group work, independent reflection & class-wide discussion
• A culminating assignment (ie. essay, report, project)
The Focus Question
Provides a focus for student learning based on the standards (What you want them to know & understand)
Requires students to utilize critical thinking, language, and writing skills
Elicits an explanation or argument supported by evidence
Elicits more than one answer
The concrete focus question will lead to higher level thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving
through…
Evaluating
terms
Categorizing terms
Defending their reasoni
ng
Collaborating
Revising their thinkin
g
Applying/
Using their
knowledge
Your Turn…
Directions:1. Read passage2. Reread passage &
circle words that answer the focus question
3. With your group create a group list of words (using ‘Keep it or Junk it’ with your individual word lists)
Focus Question:
What things caused Andrew
Silverman to file for divorce?