Close Reading and Writing From Sources

Fisher and Frey present a model for teaching middle and high school students some of the most crucial skills, often neglected, in today's schools: reading texts closely, taking good notes, analysing and synthesising information from multiple sources, then writing clearly and effectively.The authors have developed, implemented, and refined a process for teachers and students that results in evidence becoming a signature part of student work.

When you use this process in your classroom, students will learn how to read closely to find out what a complex text says and means.

They'll understand the purpose and use of evidence. They will hone their annotation and sourcing skills. And they'll learn how to communicate and focus their ideas through meaningful discussion before writing.Videos linked throughout the text give you an opportunity to hear from teachers and students who have successfully implemented Fisher and Frey's ideas.

You'll see how scaffolding these skills, which often are not learned until college or the workplace, can improve your students' reading and writing, both in terms of the habits they develop and in the products they create.