Close Reading for September

Hi there!  I’m finally back on track!!!  There are two things for you in this post: a funny story about my kidnapping and a giveaway!  Oh my goodness gracious!  It’s been a while since my last post.  I can get back on track now that summer is here and hopefully the pattern of neglecting to post will end.  I’m a MAJOR work-a-holic, but then once in a while, I remember that I have a blog.  I was so busy this year creating new things, that I just didn’t have the time like I did last school year.  I have no idea how so many elementary teachers can do it.  Especially everyone with kids.  It’s astonishing!!!  Maybe it’s different for middle school teachers who blog.   In fifteen years of teaching, my husband has NEVER EVER brought home school work.  That’s why I have him working for me!  Now, he has lots to do!!!  

Funny Story!  Two weeks ago, I was kidnapped.  Well, not really kidnapped but it sure did feel like it.  My family planned a vacation BEHIND MY BACK!  We were supposed to visit relatives a few hours away.  Whenever we go anywhere as a family, my husband drives.  What do I do?  Create new products for TpT!  So what I thought was a trip to visit an uncle turned out to be a trip to the beach.  I had absolutely had no idea because my face was pointed down at my laptop.  Then, I smelled the ocean air.  I was deep in thought and didn’t pay any mind to it.  Until we crossed a really long bridge.  It was one of those bridges that make bumping noises as you’re driving on it.  Of course, I knew something was up.  I closed the computer and started asking questions.  Everyone fessed up!  It never even occurred to me that there were countless dead giveaways: 1) trunk was packed full.  2) Kids were wearing bathing suits underneath clothes.  3) Sunglasses on everyone! 4) Daughter brought a friend.  (Friend had a really big bag.)  I was clueless!  Consumed in my own little world of research and creating—- I missed all the clues.  Right when we arrived to the hotel, they confiscated my computer and phone.  In an effort to maintain composure I gently tried to follow where they were going with my things so I can get them back.  I mean like, HELLO, I have my own deadlines to meet.  There was nothing I could do, but have fun!  Enjoy them!  Love them!  Appreciate them!  We had a blast together.  I complained a little, but I was powerless!  Struggling only made the pain of what I knew I needed to do worse.  They monitored me 24/7!

Here’s my newest unit!  Just click the pics to go to the product to see more, pick it up, and be ready for September.  It’s 50% off for just a little while longer.  I also have a rafflecopter below.

As always, if you pick it up now while it’s 50% off, I will gladly give you any other product(s) in my store to equal the FULL price of the unit. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here is the product description from my TeachersPayTeachers store.

Don’t forget!  If you pick it up now while it’s 50% off, I will gladly give you any other product(s) in my store to equal the FULL price of the unit. 

Your one stop source for September reading!  Inside are 20 September themed passages written at FOUR different levels. Use for Close Reading or homework! 

Informative, Relevant, Engaging, and Meaningful Reading!

Inside this 400 page unit: 

Passage titles are: 
20 Passages written at 4 Levels + 7 Activities for Each Passage
In order by theme:
Monthly Observances:
>> Remember September
>> Better Breakfast Month
>> Hispanic Heritage Month
>> Classical Music Month
Patriotic, Fun, and Themed Holidays
>> Labor Day
>> Constitution Day
>> Citizenship Day
>> Mayflower Day
>> Uncle Sam Day
>> Grandparents Day
>> Teddy Bear Day
>> Video Game Day
>> All About Fall
Significant Historical September Events
>> Calculators
>> Skyscrapers 
>> Star-Spangled Banner 
>> Fall Football
>> The Panama Canal
>> Jane Addams
>> The Hoover Dam

*** 3 pages of questions per passage (4-5 questions on each page) 
* 1st Question Page: Key Ideas and Details (Addresses RI.1, RI.2, RI.3) 
* 2nd Question Page: Craft and Structure (Addresses RI.4, RI.5, RI.6) 
* 3rd Question Page: Integration of Knowledge and Ideas (Addresses RI.7, RI.8)
—- (Vocabulary is delicately selected to ensure appropriate text evidence support.) 

*** Full Answer Key for ALL three question pages. 
(Save Ink! One page is used for each of the three question pages.)

*** 1 Graphic Organizer per passage for Key Ideas and Details 
—- (Use for paragraph focus! Ensure students get the gist.)

*** 1 “Fill-In” poster per passage. Cloze type activity for basic facts. 
—- (Use to decorate bulletin boards or hallways)

*** 2 Writing pieces per passage. 
—- For opinions/text evidence/personal connections! 

*** Three Day Close Reading General Outline 
(Some ideas for a 4th or 5th day are also provided) 
*** Three Text Coding Posters. One for each Common Core Category!
*** Passages are also included without the border. 
Provided for those who want students to annotate without distracting frames.

New to this September Unit: 
>>>>> Text structure breakdown: 
—– (I recommend using for the Second Close Read.)

>>>>> Two or more graphic organizers for all five structures:
—– Sequence, Cause & Effect, Compare & Contrast, Descriptive, Problem & Solution.

>>>>> Additional Common Core Informational Text Graphic Organizers
—— Each is labeled with the standard.

>>>>> Three Generic Comprehension Sheets Free of Common Core Standards. 
—– Provided for teachers who are not using CCSS. 

>>>>> Weekly Homework Assignment Sheets
—– There are five different assignment options
—– Two versions: With or Without Adult Initials 
—– One blank template for each version. Twelve pages total. 

As always, you will find: 

*** Modern Clickable Titles: Table of Contents with lexile levels.
*** Good Old Fashion Table of Contents with page numbers.

These timeless passages and the corresponding activities can be used all year! 
Not just during September!

Use for fluency practice! 
Each passage page has the word count and lexile level clearly indicated.

Will work nicely for whole group, small group, social studies, American History, and more! 

This set will also work perfectly for read-alouds. 
“Close Reading” can happen with read-alouds. 😉 

Common Core Standards are listed in the answer key and next to each question so you are sure which standards are being addressed.

2nd Grade Common Standards Addressed 
RI.2.1, RI.2.2, RI.2.3, RI.2.4, RI.2.5, RI.2.6, RI.2.7, RI.2.8, RI.2.9, RI.2.10

3rd Grade Common Standards Addressed 
RI.3.1, RI.3.2, RI.3.3, RI.3.4, RI.3.5, RI.3.6, RI.3.7, RI.3.8, RI.3.9, RI.3.10

4th Grade Common Standards Addressed 
RI.4.1, RI.4.2, RI.4.3, RI.4.4, RI.4.5, RI.4.6, RI.4.7, RI.4.8, RI.4.9, RI.4.10