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ReadWorks:
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Activity Description
In this activity, students are assigned a reading passage and shown the different tools they can use during the reading. They are then introduced to a Question Set and asked to complete the activity. When the students finish the activity, it is projected so they can see the article and as a class, responses are reviewed.
Readworks is a free, non-profit site focused on improving teacher effectiveness and student achievement in reading comprehension by providing free standards-aligned content, curriculum, and tools based on the highest quality cognitive scientific research on how to learn to read.
Preparation
1. Sign up for a ReadWorks teacher’s account
2. Create a class and enroll students.
3. Select a passage
4. Create your own student account so you can experience ReadWorks as a student. This will also give you a student account to display when showing students.
More Ways
There are so many options to choose from the ReadWorks curriculum. If you are teaching ESL, be sure to take a look at the ELL Collection. ABE teachers will want to take a look at the Article-A-Day selections and ASE teachers the Paired Text; although, all text options are appropriate for all levels.
Program Areas
- ASE: High School Equivalency Preparation
Lesson Plan
Objective: Introduce students to the passage topic and the purpose of the lesson.
Activity:
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- Begin with a brief discussion about the topic of the passage to activate prior knowledge.
- Ask students to share what they already know about the topic.
- Show a short, related video or image to generate interest and provide context.
Objective: Explain the tools and resources available on ReadWorks.
Activity:
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- Demonstrate how to log into the ReadWorks student account.
- Project your student account on the screen and navigate through the website.
- Explain the different tools (e.g., highlighting, annotating, vocabulary aids) and how they can enhance reading comprehension.
- Allow students to explore these tools on their own devices briefly.
- Objective: Introduce the selected passage and the Question Set.
- Activity:
- Read the passage title and author, then provide a brief summary to set the context.
- Explain why this passage was chosen, linking it to students' interests or curriculum goals.
- Introduce the Question Set associated with the passage, outlining the types of questions they will encounter (e.g., multiple-choice, short answer).
Objective: Students read the passage and answer the questions.
Activity:
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- Allow students time to read the passage independently, using the tools demonstrated earlier.
- Students complete the Question Set individually or in pairs, discussing their answers with a partner before submitting.
- Monitor the room to assist as needed.
Other Options:
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- Think-Pair-Share: After reading the passage, students pair up to discuss their answers before sharing with the larger group.
- Group Discussion: Organize students into small groups to discuss the passage and the questions, then present their group's answers to the class.
- Peer Review: Students exchange their completed Question Sets with a partner for peer review and discussion.
- Interactive Polls: Use tools like Mentimeter or Kahoot to create live polls or quizzes based on the passage and questions to engage students in real time.
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Objective: Assess students' understanding and discuss the answers.
Activity:
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- Project the passage and Question Set on the screen.
- Review each question, asking students to share their answers and reasoning.
- Discuss different interpretations and clarify any misunderstandings.
Objective: Apply reading comprehension skills to new texts and contexts.
Activity:
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- Assign a similar passage from ReadWorks for homework or as an in-class assignment.
- Encourage students to use the tools independently and reflect on how these tools aid their comprehension.
- Have students write a short summary or response to the new passage, focusing on key ideas and personal reflections.
Subjects
- Reasoning Through Language Arts
- Literary Texts (Fiction, Poetry, Drama)
- Nonfiction Texts