English @ CCHS
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why bother with "close reading"?

In this module, we will broaden our curiosity about Harry Potter - either as a diehard fan or a total novice - by delving into the text and treating it as "sacred". We'll be asking if it's worth having a sacred text... and how that text can be of use once you find it.

​Many thanks to the HP Sacred Text crew for the inspiration and resources to do this close reading study!

Module summary:
  • become familiar with the Harry Potter and the Sacred Text podcast
  • read a few chapters of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, giving specific attention to themes
  • analyze a chapter as a "sacred" text
  • share findings with the class

essential questions

  • Why do we bother with "close" reading?
  • Is note-taking really that important?

goals

  • Students will understand that close reading gives us the tools to make connections between plot, characters, and deeper meanings.
  • Students will understand that taking notes with a specific format gives us purpose when we work and helps us organize our thoughts better for a presentation

activities

 Monday 
  • warm-up: read "Methodology" from Harry Potter and the Sacred Text podcast website
  • discuss potential merits with - or skepticism about - having a "sacred" text
  • recap context of Harry Potter stories for any muggles out there
  • read chapter 2, "The Vanishing Glass"
  • listen to Harry Potter and the Sacred Text podcast episode: Book 1, Chapter 2 (find on this page - scroll to "Loneliness: The Vanishing Glass")
    • take brief notes on podcast to keep up with and understand the format
    • discuss podcast episode - thoughts? takeaways? insights about the theme or plot?
Tuesday
  • read Sorcerer's Stone Chapter 3, "The Letters From No One" independently
    • read twice! seriously. Read once for the story, second time for theme
    • highlight passages that illustrate the theme of "fear" in this chapter
    • try out 30-second recap as a contest - winner gets chocolate
    • discuss findings as a group
  • choose a chapter to read independently
    • study this chapter through a theme (given or chosen)
    • work through "sacred text" process
      • download instructions
      • save a copy of this Google doc to your Drive to collect your notes
Wednesday
  • most students will be taking the ASVAB this morning 
  • otherwise, continue working on your chapter
    • finish and polish notes
    • practice 30-second recap
    • discuss findings with Christine

Thursday
  • finish chapter notes
    • conference with Christine, revise notes as needed
    • practice 30-second recap
  • present to the group
Friday
  • wrap up notes and presentations 
  • get syllabus signed off

c-tachs

Reading
  • Analyze author’s stylistic choices regarding structure and development of the elements of a story, particularly theme 
  • Interpret meaning of words and phrases in context and how the use shape meaning and tone 
Speaking and Listening
  • Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions

documents

Sacred Text Syllabus
File Size: 40 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

B1C2 Vanishing Glass
File Size: 109 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

B1C3 Letters from No One
File Size: 103 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Chapter Study Instructions
File Size: 53 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


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Contact Us

  • Home
    • About
  • Research
  • Reading & Writing
  • Recent Modules
    • Connect >
      • Board Game Reviews (mini)
      • CCHS Powtoon
      • Coco!
      • Creative Writing Seminar >
        • Calvin and Hobbes
        • Pieces of art
        • Tell Tale Cards
      • Dragon Post
      • Editorializing
      • E-mail Etiquette (Dead Poet's Society)
      • E-mail Etiquette (Star Wars)
      • English Skills
      • Go Write Outside
      • HONY and Narrative Essays
      • Nature Poetry
      • Passion Project
      • Persons, Places, Things
      • Photo Essays
      • Rebel Girls >
        • Jane Goodall
      • Stereotypes
      • Teach Me Something
      • Virtual Reality-ing
      • What Music Means
    • Construct >
      • 2018 in Review
      • Book Censorship
      • Live Anywhere
      • Picture Book Inquiry
      • Propaganda Bombs
      • PSA Powtoon
      • Self-Improvement
      • State of the Union
      • Rant to Reason
      • TED Topics
      • Who Cares?
    • Be Curious >
      • Art Time is Fun Time!
      • Caper with the Classics
      • CCHS Librarians
      • Emma: Friend or Foe?
      • Fahrenheit 451
      • Found Poetry
      • Google Expeditions
      • Hero's Journey
      • Irreverence
      • Macbeth
      • Poetry
      • The Lottery
      • "Worthy" Art