ES Literacy Introductory Guide Shared Text

Shared Text, Read and Understand, Grade 3

During Shared Text in grades 2–4, we read a short text together as a class. Collectively, the class works through the meaning of the text by engaging in a rich discussion of what the text is about, and what moves the author made to convey his idea. By analyzing and studying a text together, we show scholars how to authentically apply habits of great readers, so they are able to independently tackle any text they encounter. Then, scholars deepen their understanding by writing about the text.

Day 1: Read and Understand (Shared Text)

• Quickly preview the text and determine the genre and thinking job.
• Read aloud the Shared Text with scholars. During a whole-class discussion, unpack the main idea.
• Have scholars independently jot their main ideas (Grades 3–4) or use a graphic organizer (Grade 2) to record their main ideas.
• Share an exemplar main idea. Give scholars time to revise their work.

Day 2: Response to Literature (Shared Text)

• Have scholars reread the Shared Text and quickly review the main idea as a class.
• Scholars independently answer a prompt about the Shared Text.
• Share with the class either a strong or weak response and give feedback.
• Have all scholars revise their writing based on the takeaways from the share.

Day 3: Read and Understand (Mastery Text)

• Scholars read the Mastery Text independently and jot their main ideas (Grade 3–4) or use a graphic organizer (Grade 2) to record their main ideas.
• Discuss the text as a whole class to address any misconceptions and ensure all scholars fully understand the text.
• Have scholars revise their work.

Day 4: Response to Literature (Mastery Text)

• Scholars reread the Mastery Text and quickly review the main idea as a class.
• Scholars independently answer a prompt about the Mastery Text in a short paragraph.
• Share with the class either a strong or weak response and give feedback.
• Have all scholars revise their writing based on the takeaways from the Share.

• Shared Text Planning Template
• Grade 2 Graphic Organizer
• Sample Response to Literature