Too Good at Goodbyes Close Reading and Response

Too Good at Goodbyes 

By: Sam Smith

Close Reading and Response

 Students often have strong connections to songs. "Psychologists and neuroscientists have confirmed that these songs [we listen to in our teenage years] hold disproportionate power over our emotions" (Stern) Educators have an opportunity to leverage this connection and power for learning that engages the student. 

Sam Smith's new song Too Good at Goodbyes is a song can evoke emotion in teenager. Some may think of romantic relationships. Push students to connect with this song by examining other relationships in their life. Some might have relationships with parents or grandparents that they can connect to this song. 

Use the song as a hook to incorporate reading, writing, and social/emotional skills into the classroom. 

Link: Too Good at Goodbye Close Read and Response Activity

Monster Mash Close Reading and Response

Monster Mash

Close Reading and Response

It's that time of year again, where I dig out a costume from the depths of my attic, and throw it on in an effort to be festive. The day of Halloween can be one of the longest days an educator can face in teaching. Enticing candy and epic costumes await students. As the clock slowly ticks by, the buzz and excitement build until the bell finally rings releasing students into the promise of Halloween night. 

Perhaps teachers should dress up as tight rope walkers, as they often spend the day balancing teaching/learning with childhood enjoyment. 

Recently I saw a tweet by The Mindy Project writer, Chris Schleicher that got me to thinking about how often readers (or listeners) really pay attention to the details of a text. 

This tweet gave me the idea for a close reading/response activity that could be used with students on (or around) Halloween as teachers are trying to walk that tight rope of continuous learning that still acknowledges the excitement in the air.