Readers, tonight read for at least thirty minutes (at least twenty pages). Then recall how earlier they worked with a passage where they were envisioning, really into the story. They need to find another scene in their book that feels central to the story? Go back and reread that scene intensely—several times. To understand one scene, see how it connects to other scenes. Find at least one other scene that connects to the one you have chosen. Then reread that second scene, as well.

As students do this, envision, they make a mental movie as they read. They should be practically acting out the scene as they read it. Picture what is happening and how characters are reacting. Even if the text doesn’t tell the reader how they are reacting, they should draw on earlier parts to figure it out. Try reading between the lines. Think about how people are doing things and why they are acting that way. Picture not just the events but the setting. Pause to write, “I’m picturing . . .” Then retell the scene, taking a few minutes to write fast and furious.