Responding to a comprehension question is a surprisingly complex task. It draws on multiple skills: students must be able to read and analyze a text passage; consider what aspect of the text the question addresses; and then quickly and concisely write about their ideas, citing evidence to support them. Hence the prominence of constructed-response questions in standardized testing.

In this refreshingly clear and upbeat guide, literacy consultant Nancy Boyles gives a step-by-step demonstration of how to help students achieve success with this task-and in the process of unpacking the steps involved, demonstrates how the instruction can inspire teachers' creativity as well as deepen students' literacy skills.

Filled with ready-to-use scaffolds for every stage of instruction-sets of sample questions, anchor charts, cue cards, answer frames-this is a one-stop resource for teaching students how to organize their thoughts about what they've read, and then set them down in writing.

About the Author
Nancy Boyles is Professor Emerita of Reading from Southern Connecticut State University, an independent literacy consultant, and an author of multiple books for literacy educators. As a consultant, Nancy works with districts and educational agencies to provide workshops, model lessons in classrooms, and assist with curriculum development.

Reviews
"Yes!!! A resource for teachers that actually defines the standards, builds knowledge, and provides scaffolds and supports for both teachers and students! This easy-to-read book contains over a hundred ready-to-use materials for immediate implementation. Explanations and models (with annotations) tied to authentic literature are provided. It's the perfect addition to any CCSS-aligned curriculum or program. Teaching constructed response has never been easier! Thank you, Nancy!" -- Dena Mortensen, Supervisor of Elementary Reading and Language Arts, Waterbury Public Schools, CT
"Nancy Boyles' newest book gives teachers a proven formula to follow for teaching constructed response to their students. This book takes the process and breaks it down into clear, easy-to-follow steps. It's teacher-friendly, easy to read, and loaded with instructional strategies and resources for immediate use, including Anchor Charts, Checklists, and Answer Frames. " -- Michelle Dupuis, Academic Coach, Natchaug School, Willimantic, CT
"Nancy Boyles' book is appropriately titled: it's an awesome guide to teaching students how to read closely and construct an answer to every type of comprehension question. The skills students develop with Boyles' methods will serve them well on standardized tests and beyond, as they will read and write more carefully and think more clearly. A blessing for busy teachers, Boyles' book offers detailed lesson plans and abundant sample questions on prose and poetry selections. " -- Geraldine Woods, teacher, author of 25 Great Sentences and How They Got That Way and Sentence.
"At construction sites, they put windows in the walls so you can see inside the building site. Nancy Boyles gives you such a window into how students can build meaningful 'constructed' responses. More importantly, she delivers thoughtful, practical tools teachers can use to help students read carefully and respond accurately. These tools include anchor charts, cue cards, and ways to have students engage with various media types. As usual, a can't-miss text. " -- Dr. Michael J. Rafferty, Director of Teaching and Learning, Derby Public Schools, Derby, CT, and author of 30 Big-Idea Lessons for Small Groups
"The wait is over. Writing Awesome Answers to Comprehension Questions is absolutely brilliant. Nancy Boyles has bestowed a reading toolbox upon teachers. Teachers will discover numerous mini-lessons, instructional strategies, texts aligned to questions, anchor charts, rubrics, checklists...in short, everything needed to get students writing about reading. " -- Christina O'Brien, Assistant Principal/Special Education Supervisor, Naubuc Elementary School, Glastonbury, CT



Book Information
ISBN 9781324015918
Author Nancy Boyles
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint WW Norton & Co
Publisher WW Norton & Co
Weight(grams) 950g
Dimensions(mm) 279mm * 218mm * 20mm