Literacy Quick Hitters:

5 Minutes to Improve Instruction

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Episode 2 - Teaching With Texts that are 2+ Years Above Reading Level

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Narrated by:

Michelle Ewald, K-5 Literacy Coach

C.O.O.R. ISD

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Tim Shanahan’s Analogy

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First, decide how to proceed…

Ask yourself:

Are students still struggling with decoding?

• Yes: they need phonics and fluency work!
• No: proceed with Dr. Shanahan’s recommendations, outlined on the next several slides.

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Tell students

• We will be working on grade level materials
• I will support you as we tackle more difficult reading tasks than we have been

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Fluency first

• Build in time for students to read the text 1-2 times before the lesson
• As much as one reading level with that particular text could be gained

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Vocabulary

• Preteach challenging words
• Don’t do this if (1) the meaning is explained in the reading or (2) can be determined using context

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Chunk the text

• Start with short segments
• Pause to check for comprehension
• Reread when necessary

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Discuss

• Identify complicated sentences
• Check for understanding
• Offer support when needed

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Cohesion

• Pre-identify and help students work through problem spots that involve pronouns, synonyms, and other language challenges

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Fall 2025

Book Study

(in the works)

Please register via the 2025-26 COOR Professional Learning Menu when it is released this summer!

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Professional Book

September 2025 - New release

Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives

Interested

in more information?

Resources

Articles (Shanahan blog)

• How Can I Teach with Books that are Two Years Above Student Reading Levels?
• Eight Ways to Help Kids Read Complex Text

Subscribe for email updates

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Videos (Dr. Shanahan)

Teaching Reading with Grade-Level Texts (26:02) - quick explanation of the content of this podcast

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Shifting the Focus Towards Challenging Text (2:51) - see Dr. Shanahan’s weighltifting analogy

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Thank you!

Michelle Ewald

K-5 Literacy Coach | C.O.O.R. ISD

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Email: ewaldm@coorisd.net

Phone: 989.275.9515 (office)

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