EP. 150 Strategies for Teaching Close Reading to Newcomers: A Guide for ESL Educators

Teaching a new language goes beyond vocabulary and grammar—it’s about fostering connections, building confidence, and empowering students to express themselves. One of the most effective strategies for supporting newcomers is close reading. This involves analyzing a text through repeated readings, each with a specific purpose, helping students deepen their comprehension and develop critical thinking skills.

One of the biggest challenges in teaching newcomers is ensuring they can access and understand the text. Building background knowledge is essential. You can use strategies like think-alouds to model your thought process, conduct picture walks with labeled vocabulary in both English and the students’ native language, and incorporate videos or real-world items to bring the topic to life. Virtual or in-person field trips are another great way to provide tangible experiences. By establishing a solid frame of reference, you make the text more engaging and accessible.

Academic vocabulary plays a key role in comprehension. Explicitly teaching key words ensures students can navigate complex texts with greater confidence. To teach vocabulary effectively, introduce words with definitions and examples in context, reinforce understanding with synonyms and visuals, and encourage practice in both writing and conversation. Focusing on 3-5 words per day is ideal, along with formative assessments to track student progress.

Close reading involves three stages of purposeful engagement with the text. During the first reading, read aloud to students and ask level 1 and level 2 text-dependent questions, such as “What does the character do next?” or “Why do they make that choice?” For the second reading, set a specific purpose, like exploring cause and effect or comparing and contrasting ideas. Students can work in pairs or small groups to reread and discuss. By the third reading, the focus shifts to what the text means. Encourage students to make inferences, connections, and share opinions.

After repeated exposure to the text, engage students in meaningful culminating activities to showcase their understanding. Options include writing assignments like essays or reflections, creative projects such as designing a comic strip retelling the story, or speaking activities like creating a podcast about the topic. These activities not only reinforce comprehension but also give students a chance to express themselves creatively.

Teaching newcomers can be a rewarding yet challenging experience, but you don’t have to do it alone. Explore ready-to-use close reading lessons tailored for all levels of language learners. Join the Close Read Club for just $5 at myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub or shop engaging resources at myadventuresinesl.com/store.

Close reading equips ESL newcomers with the tools they need to succeed. By building background knowledge, teaching academic vocabulary, and guiding students through purposeful readings, you create an environment where learners feel seen, supported, and empowered. Every step you take as an educator helps shape a brighter future for your students. Thank you for your dedication and passion—you’re truly making a difference!

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