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CONTENT-AREA READING

SESSION 4  |  Grades 2-12 / ELL  |  Handout

Apply comprehension strategies when solving word problems

Read every story problem 3 times

Improve comprehension of math word problems.

Introduce the close-reading framework.

1. GLASSES: Read for an overall understanding of what you are solving for.

Close Reading Eyeglasses

2. MICROSCOPE: Zoom in to notice the little words, symbols, and details.

Close Reading Microscope

3. TELESCOPE: Zoom out to integrate comprehension with computation.

Close Reading Telescope
Close Reading Triggers

Click image to purchase.

Close Reading Mini-Poster

Mini-Poster

Readers persevere through difficult text

Click image to download PPT | Google Slide

Achieve close reading in technical text.

Attack story problems with the 3 phases of close reading.

Add editorial cartoons to science & social studies.

Focus on thinking

Revise the reading habits of mathematicians.

Anchor Chart Pieces PDF | Student Version

Apply the mathematician’s Reading Voice & Thinking Voice.

Graphing Example on Jamboard

Multiplication Example on Jamboard

Decipher the message

Fluently translate numbers and symbols to words.

Provide math reading tips to aid all students.

Translate technical symbols to words.

Emphasize little words with big meaning.

Chapter 2 from Literacy Strategies for Improving Mathematics Instruction

Resources from the Grade 5 math lesson featured below
PDF | Smartboard

Student handout used within the lesson video below

Focus on the little words
in math story problems.

Read for the little words in story problems.
Mini-Lesson Resources | PDF | Smartboard

Find the story in the problem

Utilize ELA background to identify the story elements within a math situation.

Find the story within the problem.

Jamboard Example | Jamboard Template

Xander | Benjamin | Templates

Remove the numbers.

Math guru Robert Kaplinsky proves that kids don’t read the math problem for the story.

Math guru Ryan Flessner suggests providing students just-right number sets.