The following explanations of the reading stances were given to me by Dee Shorts, a curriculum resource teacher in Worcester County. I am not sure where she got these from, but when I find out, I will credit the author. These are suitable for both teachers and students to better understand the reading stances.
The Reading Stances
Global Understanding:
You should be able to answer these questions without revisiting the text after one good reading. You must have text support.
Developing Interpretation:
These questions are mostly comprehension questions. You should revisit the text to answer these. We should hear "papers rustling." You must have text support.
Personal Response:
These questions deal with how YOU, the reader, feels. They often ask for you to answer them with your own opinions or judgments. You must answer these questions in three parts:
- text
- personal response
- connection of text and personal response
Critical Stance:
These questions deal with the author's craft. They often ask you why the author did what they did in the selection. You must have text support.
For comments and inquiries, send email to:
Cam Miller
Curriculum Planner
Berlin Middle School
Berlin, Maryland