Thank you for returning to my 3-part blog regarding stretch text. Last month, I introduced this idea of what stretch text means in the classroom. I highlighted some frequently asked questions and this month I want to continue sharing some of these insights and questions with you!
FAQ's:
Why stretch text? http://www.corestandards.org/assets/Appendix_A.pdf Read pages 1 - 11
What essential questions can I use during stretch text lessons? The one essential question that I use during ALL stretch text lessons: “What makes this text difficult?” This simple yet powerful essential question is what I want my students to think about throughout the lesson. By “deconstructing” the text, my students can dissect, explore, investigate, and “reassemble” the text like a puzzle. If they can succeed with stretch text, they will certainly succeed with grade level text. Ultimately, I want my students to think about their thinking.
Where do I find stretch text? NOT on Teachers Pay Teachers! Instead, I have found that famous speeches or Ted Talks are ideal to use as stretch text (they are also free). Try to select speeches that are relevant, engaging, and meaningful or that tie into Wonders anthologies in some manner. For example, in fourth grade Wonders unit 4, week 3 includes the anthology selection The Moon Over Star. This historic fiction selection focuses on the night of the moon landing. You could tie the famous Moon Speech by JFK to this particular selection (which I actually have done). Another example in fourth grade Wonders is unit 4, week 1 leveled reader “A Day in the Senate.” Last year, we deconstructed part of the Constitution using it as a stretch text in order to extend the understanding of the leveled reader. The possibilities are endless. I try to make sure that my students understand that my selected stretch text is either part of an article, document or a transcript of a speech. This is why I try to avoid TPT worksheets or TPT articles. It is no secret that Common Core has made the understanding of technical texts a cornerstone of these new standards. Stretch text lessons allow the teacher to at least begin to encourage and build self-efficacy within students in order to challenge them to continue “reaching and stretching” their reading abilities. My "look for" when I am searching text is mainly vocabulary. Does the text include a fair amount of academic vocabulary for students to grapple with? Be careful though! Too much may become too frustrating.
Note: If you find a video on youtube, it usually offers the option to view the transcript. Copy and paste the transcript onto your desktop in order to print the text for students.
How long do stretch text lessons take? If you decide to do stretch text lessons during a 30-minute time block of UA, you can expect to take approximately three to five days to grapple with the passage. It really depends on how deep you want students to go into the text. It is up to you and your learning outcomes.
Are there any resources that I can use? Yes, I have included below some links that you can view at your leisure to see some examples of stretch text lessons. Be warned, you will not find much resources by googling “stretch text.” You will usually find resources about accessing complex text (which may in itself be helpful as well):
1. READ pages 1 - 11 in Appendix A of the common core initiative document (yes, I know it may be a struggle but, hey, if you want your students to do this, then we need to do this as well):
2. Teaching Channel videos:
https://www.teachingchannel.org/video/teaching-declaration-of-independence
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| Happy Writing! Gustavo Macuil |
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