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In The Literary Workshop, Sheridan Blau says that

Reading is a process of constructing meaning or composing a text, exactly like writing. The reading of any difficult text will entail drafting and revision (largely in the reader’s head) and will frequently begin with what amounts to a zero draft. Just as writing may be defined as rewriting, so is any reading worth doing essentially a process of rereading. (53)

This analysis is illustrated by an activity that Blau describes.

This is a great in class activity that demonstrates the importance of rereading and writing in response to reading. It also involves some group work. You’ll want to choose a short, difficult reading (or portion of a reading) to hand out.

Step 1: Read the text three times. With each reading:

“Notice what your notice;” what do you find interesting, troubling, hard to understand? What do you like, what don’t you like? What is your reaction to the writer?
Rate your understanding of the text on a scale from 0–10;
Take notes on what you noticed.

At the end of your third reading, repeat these steps, but also do two more things:

Write a brief account of what happened to you as a reader and to your understanding of the poem over the course of your three readings;
Write out any questions you still have about the text.

When you’re finished writing, rate your understanding one more time.

Step 2: Get into groups of 3 and discuss what your still struggling to understand. Also discuss how you worked through other difficult parts of the essay. Rate your understanding again.

Step 3: Class reflection: How many improved their reading with each step? How many improved their understanding by writing about their process? How many improved their understanding by collaborating with classmates?

(Adapted from Sheridan Blau’s The Literary Workshop.)