Keep it or junk it

Keep It or Junk ItA Close Reading Strategy

“Keep It or Junk It” is a non-fiction reading activity that gets students to focus on what they are reading and really understand it.

Leads to improved comprehensionEncourages critical thinkingEmphasis on using language; encourages

discussion & argument using vocabularyProvides practice analyzing & arguing

evidenceStudent-led; students take the lead in learningIncorporates collaborationEncourages participation & engagementIdeal for Science & Social Studies as well as

ELACommon Core ApPro

ved

Activity Essentials

• Select a short non-fiction passage• Develop a focus question • Several opportunities to read the

passage• “Keep It or Junk It” directions

(explicitly taught at first, then posted & reviewed throughout the activity)

• Ample time for group work, independent reflection & class-wide discussion

• A culminating assignment (ie. essay, report, project)

The Focus Question

Provides a focus for student learning based on the standards (What you want them to know & understand)

Requires students to utilize critical thinking, language, and writing skills

Elicits an explanation or argument supported by evidence

Elicits more than one answer

The concrete focus question will lead to higher level thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving

through…

Evaluating

terms

Categorizing terms

Defending their reasoni

ng

Collaborating

Revising their thinkin

g

Applying/

Using their

knowledge

Your Turn…

Directions:1. Read passage2. Reread passage &

circle words that answer the focus question

3. With your group create a group list of words (using ‘Keep it or Junk it’ with your individual word lists)

Focus Question:

What things caused Andrew

Silverman to file for divorce?