Introduction:
CommonLit is a valuable online resource for teachers and students alike. With its vast collection of literary texts, it offers a diverse range of reading materials for middle and high school students. In this article, we will explore eight creative ways to make the most of CommonLit in the classroom. Let’s dive in!
1. Guided Reading:
Utilize CommonLit’s guided reading feature to support students in building essential reading skills. Assign specific texts and enable the “guided reading mode,” which prompts students with questions and explanations as they read. This fosters active engagement and comprehension.
2. Differentiated Instruction:
Use CommonLit’s customizable features to cater to the diverse learning needs of your students. Adjust text complexity, assign individualized questions, and provide additional scaffolding to ensure every student can access and comprehend the material.
3. Close Reading:
CommonLit’s annotation feature allows for in-depth and interactive close reading exercises. Encourage students to highlight and comment on significant passages, analyze literary elements, and engage in discussions about the text. This promotes critical thinking and strengthens analytical skills.
4. Literature Circles:
Organize literature circles around CommonLit texts to encourage collaborative learning. Assign different roles to each group member, such as discussion leader, summarizer, or connector. Students can engage in meaningful conversations about the text, develop communication skills, and deepen their understanding through diverse perspectives.
5. Writing Prompts:
Take advantage of CommonLit’s extensive collection of writing prompts to nurture students’ writing skills. After reading a text, assign a writing prompt that relates to the theme or content. Encourage students to develop arguments, analyze evidence from the text, and provide well-structured responses.
6. Vocabulary Instruction:
CommonLit offers vocabulary support through contextualized word definitions and glossaries. Incorporate vocabulary activities by selecting challenging words from the texts and assigning vocabulary exercises or quizzes. This enhances students’ language acquisition and retention.
7. Test Prep:
Prepare students for standardized tests by utilizing CommonLit’s test prep materials. Assign practice tests that simulate the format and difficulty level of standardized assessments. This allows students to familiarize themselves with typical question types, hone their test-taking skills, and gain confidence.
8. Extended Learning:
Encourage students’ independent exploration by assigning additional texts related to their interests or the current curriculum. CommonLit provides a vast collection of supplementary texts across various genres and topics. By promoting independent reading, you nurture a love for reading and foster lifelong learning habits.
Conclusion:
CommonLit is a powerful tool that empowers teachers and engages students in meaningful learning experiences. By incorporating these eight strategies into your CommonLit practice, you can create an enriching classroom environment that promotes reading comprehension, critical thinking, and a love for literature. Happy teaching!
