MASTERING CLOSE READING

CLOSE READING TO SUPPLEMENT UNITS: FROM SKILLS TO STORIES

Join us for the third installment of Mastering Close Reading! In this volume, we're focusing on the ways in which we can write close reading lessons to supplement our regularly scheduled instruction. In doing so, we create opportunities to explore new voices, new genres, and layer our skill focus on what matters. This training will especially discuss and demonstrate the power of depth in analytical thinking, reading, and writing instruction.

Close Reading to Supplement Units

From personification to symbolism, YA novels offer a fresh perspective when paired with required texts from our curriculum.

But here's the hard part: which texts? Which skills? How do I find the time to read, pick passages, and create lessons that showcase these unique pairings?

That's where I come in. In this workshop, teachers will not only gain the confidence needed to teach one of the most critical skills in our discipline (close reading), but they will learn ways to use diverse YA literature alongside prescribed curriculum to deepen both analytical skills and connect to the lives, stories, and voices that help us all remember what it means to be human.

Mastering Close Reading helps teachers...

  • Ensure all learners practice skills

  • Tackle challenging text with scaffolds

  • Assess skills instead of compliance

  • Align unit skills with assessments

  • Help students build transferrable skills

  • Assist students in moving from "what" to "so what?"

Mastering Close Reading workshops support teachers in the design, implementation, and long-term planning of close reading lessons all year round.

If your struggling readers are still struggling, it's time for a change.

We know that diverse voices and contemporary texts are vital to supporting the needs of our struggling readers, but sometimes, getting these types of texts adopted can feel impossible. I'm here to teach you how to make them happen ANYWAY by harnessing their power as supplementals for close reading.

Amanda Cardenas

Hi! I'm Amanda.

And creative approaches to student engagement and reading success are my passion! I believe deeply in the relentless pursuit of finding new ways to hook the most reluctant reader and support all students as they work to become informed, curious, and connected citizens.

With 13 years of high school English teaching experience and over eight years working in teacher leadership and professional development, I'm ready to help you create dynamic close reading lessons that reach all learners.

Tell me if this sounds familiar...

  • Your novel units feel a bit jumbled and are missing a skill focus, so you're constantly creating new lesson to try to keep up

  • Your lit circle units feel disjointed because students are all in different places and there's no specific set of writing skills holding them together

  • You're frustrated by the mandated texts you have to teach and feel like there's no way to incorporate more diverse voices, genres, and protagonist stories

Supplemental readings are the BEST way to solve each of these problems. But better than finding a great TED Talk or random article with a distant connection to the story?

A thematic AND skill based close reading lesson!

In this workshop, you will learn how to match interesting, unique, and author's craft focused texts from young adult literature and pair them seamlessly with the units you're already teaching. Yeah. Those units that are feeling a little lost in their way and like they're missing just a little something...

Here is that missing something.

Let's look at a few examples...

Are you ready to join me...

...as we work our way thorough six close reading passages that can be used in a wide variety of contexts to reinforce author's craft tools used frequently in literary analysis? Here's a quick preview of our six 30 minute trainings that will leave you feeling inspired, confident, and completely prepared to infuse close reading into your regular roatation of lessons next year:

Session #1:

THE GRACE YEAR

JUNE 20th 10am CST

Close reading for color symbolism

Session #2:

I MUST BETRAY YOU

JUNE 20th 1pm CST

Close reading for personification

Session #3:

WE ARE ALL SO GOOD AT SMILING

JUNE 21st 10am CST

Close reading for comparisons: metaphor & simile

Session #4:

DIVINE RIVALS

JUNE 21st 1pm CST

Close reading for setting and mood

Session #5:

LEGEND

JUNE 22nd 10am CST

Close reading for characterization through flashbacks & memories

Session #6:

TURTLES ALL THE WAY DOWN

JUNE 22nd 1pm CST

Close reading for characterization an inner dialogue

You might be wondering...

Are the trainings recorded for replays?

Yes of course! And once you're signed up, you'll have access for life. If you can't attend the live trainings, you'll miss the live chat in our chat-box, but all of the materials remain the same. We encourage you to come live so that you get the group experience and meet some other teachers, though!

Can my district pay for me & my team for this using a PO?

Absolutley. Please email help.mudandinkteaching@gmail.com to inquire about Purchase Orders for both individuals and groups.

My entire department wants to do this training together. Do you offer group discounts?

Yes we do! Please send an email to help.mudandinkteaching@gmail.com and we will happily organize group pricing based on your needs.