Teaching Interpretation ─ Using Text-Based Evidence to Construct Meaning

"The kind of lifelong readers we imagine our students becoming do not simply let text wash over them. We want readers to become critical thinkers."
- Sonja Cherry-Paul and Dana Johansen

What does interpretation really mean? What does it look like in the classroom? How can we effectively teach students of all reading levels to be successful at constructing interpretations?

"With the Common Core calling for students to take part in the rich and rigorous work of interpretation," write Sonja Cherry-Paul and Dana Johansen, "it is necessary for all teachers to learn how to teach this important work in ways that reach all learners." Teaching Interpretation demystifies the interpretation process and help teachers take on the challenge of showing students how to construct, revise, and test their interpretations. Presented in manageable chunks that can work with any curriculum, they offer a conceptual framework that makes the interpretation process transparent to both teachers and students. Lesson ideas, text recommendations, templates, and suggestions for how to differentiate help you easily incorporate the work of interpretation into your practice, while student samples and graphic organizers make it all visible.

Sonja has taught 5th and 6th grade middle school students for more than fifteen years and is currently working to complete her doctorate in curriculum and teaching at Teachers College, Columbia University. She has presented at conferences on reading instruction that makes central issues related to power and perspective and has provided professional development for numerous educators on the teaching of reading and writing. Sonja is a committee member for The Jane Addams Children's Book Award, which acknowledges the work of authors and illustrators who promote peace and equality. Her first book, Teaching Interpretation: Using Text-Based Evidence to Construct Meaning, co-authored with Dana Johansen, is reflective of her ongoing work to propel students' growth as readers and help them view the world through multiple lenses. Follow Sonja on Twitter @LitLearnAct.Dana has taught elementary and middle school for more than ten years. She currently teaches fifth grade English and is earning her doctorate in Curriculum & Teaching at Teachers College, Columbia University. Dedicated to the ever-expanding applications of technology in the classroom, she has presented at conferences on the use of iPads, wikis and blogs in the classroom. Passionate about this work, her first book, Teaching Interpretation: Using Text-Based Evidence to Construct Meaning, co-authored with Sonja Cherry-Paul, combines her love for teaching reading with digital resources. Follow Dana on Twitter @LitLearnAct.