The Red Pony
Document Analysis
Analyzing the Text
General Activity
Grades 6–12
Language Arts, History, Science
Individual, Small Group, Ongoing
Students will expand their abilities to read, interpret, and critically analyze text.
Analyzing documents of any kind is a skill that will aid students in multiple subject areas. This is an ongoing skill to develop and strengthen. Key to success is repetition of the process. Students will move slowly at first, but with practice it will become second nature.
This process can be adapted and adjusted based on student abilities and on the type of document being analyzed.
15-45 minutes (depending on difficulty of the text)
The outline below is to be used when a document analysis is assigned.
Students work in small groups to analyze and dissect a reading, then report back to the class. This activity aids students in understanding complex material.
An in-depth, section-by-section breakdown of short writing prompts for use in journal assignments, assessments, and discussion starters.
Provide additional structure and guidance to that found in “Mining for Examples.” Students create their own study guide for the novel.
Students work collaboratively to create an in-depth study guide to understanding key scenes, quotations, and themes in The Red Pony.
Create a “message board” where students can post and comment upon important, entertaining, and interesting passages from The Red Pony.
Understanding the difference between “showing” and “telling” will not only enhance the students’ enjoyment of literature, but will improve their own writing.