Using Writing to Support Close Reading: Engagement and Evidence from the Text

Data from a yearlong study of 12 eighth graders with reading difficulties demonstrate how literacy notebooks support close reading. The study’s data show that as students recorded words, phrases, and personal responses while reading, they became curious about the text, cited evidence from the text to support their responses, were engaged in the story, and were motivated to continue reading. Developing the habit of close reading using literacy notebooks helped students to understand the text deeply and therefore to enjoy reading in a way that most of the students had not previously done.