Embedded Readings are a scaffolded approach to reading where the teacher makes
three or more versions of the same text which increase in difficulty. Embedded Readings can be created from any materials that we want our students to read. Think - articles in magazines, current events, stories, shopping lists, ingredients, recipes, instructions, song lyrics, and more!
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Why & How?
Students
read the first text, which is not difficult, then proceed to the second, which
includes every detail in the first version and adds some new vocabulary and
elaborate structures but is still comprehensible to the student. The third
version is slightly more complicated, but the student is able to tackle it
because they are seeing the same structures now 3 times, building their
confidence and adding to what they know.
Laurie Clarcq is credited with the creation of Embedded Readings. She asked her students to write about a film and took what one student had written in very simple structures and expanded the text in ever-increasing pieces to include what others had written. She discovered that providing the scaffolding could have great impact on students' confidence and proficiency gains in language.
What are the logistics?
The teacher provides three or more texts in which the core content is identical but each text increases in vocabulary and details, building off of what the previous text stated. This is the "scaffolding" around the reading. The goal is to get everyone comfortable with each level of text before moving on to the next one.
How long do you spend on the cards?
This could easily be an entire lesson, or broken down to do one level of text per day over several days. Especially if combined with MovieTalk where students first engage with the movie before creating a write up which THEN becomes the base for an embedded reading... this could be the foundation of an entire unit!
Seems Simple. How do i keep this interesting?
Students of all ages need variation in these readings. There is a wealth of strategies linked in the previous section. Quick ideas: Teacher reads each sentence of level one and verifies details with the students. Level two the students point out what is new. Level three have students volley read with a partner. Or have them pick gestures for key chunks and then the class gestures while the teacher tries to remember the text. Then they repeat the activity with a partner - one gestures, the other reading.
and so many more! Look at the previous sections for linked resources
USE MOVEMENT!
Check for comprehension (aka formative assessment!) by getting your students moving. Ask yes/no or true/false questions based on the information discussed. If the answer is yes, students move (stand up, move to a new location, etc.) Ask a question with multiple options. Students move to a corner of the room that aligns with their chosen option. Use gestures and have students shout out the words when you provide the gesture.
OTHER WAYS TO ASSESS...
Do a quick quiz or written assessment. Students take out a piece of paper and answer true / false questions, either/or questions, or open-ended questions about the readings. This falls under the "interpretive" category - students are receiving input and making sense of it, then demonstrating that comprehension.
Can-Do statements - have students self-reflect using Can-Do statements to see how they feel about their own capabilities now that they've spent time in the readings. Free-writes - Give students 5 minutes to write down anything they can, bullet format or full sentences, drawing pictures or illustrations, to demonstrate their comprehension.
There are so many ideas for assessment! For a better, more comprehensive deep dive into assessments for standards-based and proficiency-oriented language teaching, read Martina Bex's article on assessments for language classes and standards-based grading. Also Scott Benedict's articles on assessments and standards-based grading.
Embedded Readings in your classroom
Have you used Embedded Readings in your classroom? Do you have tips, resources, a story or video demonstration to share? Drop me a line!
