Teacher Tip Thursday: Analytical Reading Frames for All

Using Analytical Reading Frames in the classroom is a wonderful way to incorporate strategic/close reading strategies as well as complex analytical thinking into one action-packed lesson! I have recently used the frame with a 5th grade classroom using Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens as my mentor text. There can be a great deal of richness found within the pages of a picture book, so don't be afraid to shy away from them when asking students to delve deeper into thinking about a text's meaning at a deeper level.

Read the text Tops and Bottoms




Pass out a copy to each table group of the four questions to below to answer. The question that is closest to the student is the one they answer. You can have the students write in their question, or you can pre-print this sheet to use. I had the students answer the question on a post-it note. Only one questioned is answered by each student in the table group of 4. They then group up according to which question they answered, and share with their group what they came up with. The goal of the group sharing activity is for students to share what they came up with, and assist their group in filling out that particular section of the Analytical Reading Frame.

The questions that belong in each square of the cards are listed below, as are the corresponding CCSS and the GATE icon that you could use for differentiation.

Key Ideas and Details 3.1, 4.1, 5.1

Do the illustrations tell us how Bear feels about work? Use page numbers and explain what it shows. (Proof)

Key Ideas and Details 3.3, 4.3, 5.3

How did Hare's actions contribute to the sequence of events? (Motive)

Integrating Knowledge and Ideas 3.7, 4.7, 5.7

How do the illustrations contribute to the story? What impact does  it have on the reader with regard to the theme or lesson in the story? (Impact)

Key Ideas and Details 3.2, 4.2, 5.2 

What is the message or moral of this story? (Judgment) Summarize the story using a Somebody, Wanted, But, So statement.

Once these questions are answered, and students return to their home group (original table group) they then share their findings and help their group answer that section of the Analytical Reading Frame. Collaboration is a cornerstone of this activity! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask! 

You can find a link to the Analytical Reading Frame here Google Doc for Analytical Reading Frame