Spire Next Reading Comprehension Student Edition - Level A

Spire Next Reading Comprehension offers a strategic intervention for students reading below grade level, particularly when reading complex texts. Using the close-reading with gradual-release method, students practice reading, fluency, and vocabulary skills with teacher support then apply these skills when reading independently. Lessons are designed to be parent/teacher led and highly interactive, but they are also open-and-go. Levels can be used as needed, but specific grade levels are listed below.

Close reading is the process of reading a text multiple times for the purpose of gaining deeper comprehension. Color-coded boxes prompt the student to focus on a specific skill by asking questions. Students will then answer the prompts in writing or by underlining, circling, or drawing boxes around text. This process provides scaffolding or building up skills in a structured manner.

Lesson structure: There are two Close Read Together selections per lesson teaching reading comprehension, genre, critical thinking, and vocabulary skills. Using the Teacher’s Manual and Student Edition, go through the steps with your student at a pace that suits your learner. Students respond to a writing prompt designed to guide analysis of what they read, developing deeper comprehension.  Students then read a selection on their own, giving them an opportunity to apply their skills as they analyze and respond independently. Lessons are not progressive in any way and can be used in any order. Complete the lesson with a quiz from the Assessments Booklet.

Student Edition is a consumable worktext format with a nice amount of color and graphics. You have two units per level, fiction and non-fiction, each with several lessons (see below). Reading selections are varied and designed to appeal to students. Tools section in the back has graphic organizers and Close Reading worksheets you can choose to use with the lesson

Teacher’s Manual is comprehensive with reduced, annotated Student Edition pages. Lessons begin with an Overview page that is combined with guidance in the margins, making the lesson clear and easy to follow. Support for English Language Learners adds an additional layer of use. Comprehension checks as you go and 4-point writing rubrics help you assess student progress within the lesson.

Assessments Booklets are important. Because SPIRE Next is a reading intervention tool, measurability is valuable. Each level has lesson quizzes plus two summative practice tests. Lesson quizzes have 2 reading selections of the same genre as the lesson you just completed. Questions are a mix of multiple-choice and short answer. Answers are sold separately.

Assessments Answer Keys identify correct answers but also address the skill in each question with an explanation you can use to talk with your student. This additional discussion is one more opportunity to check for understanding.

Levels:

A is grade 3^rd grade reading level (4 fiction lessons, 4 non-fiction lessons)

B is grade 4^th grade reading level (4 fiction lessons, 4 non-fiction lessons)

C is grade 5^th grade reading level (5 fiction lessons, 5 non-fiction lessons)

D is grade 6^th grade reading level (4 fiction lessons, 6 non-fiction lessons)

E is grade 7^th grade reading level (4 fiction lessons, 6 non-fiction lessons)

F is grade 8^th grade reading level (4 fiction lessons, 6 non-fiction lessons)

Packages with the 4 components are available for your convenience.

Some homeschool parents may look at these resources and say, “that is so “schooly”. It may, however, just provide the guidance your student will benefit from when it comes to reading comprehension. ~Sara

*All pages are not perforated and not reproducible.