Questions we must consider when integrating Trade Books into our curriculum.
- What are some problems associated with textbook use? They aren't designed to provide in depth coverage. Experts have identified at least four other concerns with textbooks:1) They are often "inconsiderate" of their readers, (2) they may contain inaccuracies, (3) they are often written at high levels of difficulty, and (4) they lack appeal for students.
- Why use trade books to learn subject matter? Trade books, rich in narrative and informational content, can provide a valuable complement to most textbooks. They provide in depth, considerate and accurate information, material at a variety or reading levels, and motivation for learning. Trade books are written and organized in ways that make information interesting and accessible. Authors of trade books take enormous pains to ensure accuracy. Trade books can help teachers differentiate instruction by meeting the range of reading levels in their classrooms. An important rationale for including trade books in any classroom should be to capture students' attention and promote the habit of lifelong reading.
- How can teachers create classroom libraries in content area classrooms? Classroom libraries should include a wide range of titles, addressing a variety of topics and reading levels. Teachers will also want to create text sets related more specifically to particular units of study within a content area.
- What should the roles of self-selected reading and teacher read-alouds be in the content
area classroom?
- Students are choosing books or magazines from home or obtaining text from the school or classroom library that relates to their personal interests other than their textbooks.
- Provides students with opportunities to choose their own books and time to read duirng content area classess, this allows students to engage with interest texts that they themselves have choosen.
- Increases the amount of time students spend reading.
- Helps students develop interest.
- Builds Knowledge.
- Provides a basis of researching a particular area.
- Familiarize students with different formats and genres.
- Select books that hold student's interest to stimulate discussions, reflect authors from many cultures.
- Use pictures or props that can heighten student's interest and increase understanding of text content.
- Read-Alouds includes books from a variety of genres including poetry, short stories, fiction, nonfiction, magazines articles, and even plays.
- Remember trade books play a supporting role by introducing a part of or perspective on the lesson that may entice students to want to know more.
- Read Aloud Video Clip 1
- Read Aloud Video Clip 2
5. What are some ways that teachers can engage students in responding to the trade books they read?
Benifits when engaging response-based activities...
1. Develops ownership
2. Make personnel connects
3. Gain appreciation and tolerance for ambiguity
4. Become more critical readers and attain higher levels of thinking along with richer understanding.
5. Increase their repertoire
6. Develops greater awareness.
Here are some ways...
- Writing as a Response to Literature
2. Post-It Notes
- Process Drama Heuristic Response
2. Pantomime
3. Tableau
Imagination Video Clip 1
- Readers Theatre Readers Theater Video Clip 1 Readers Theater Video Clip 2
- Ideal Circles
Step 1: Involve students in conducting research on a variety of topics. (Students generate the ideas and questions and pose the problem.)
Step 2: Students gather information from a variety of sources and communicate the information.
Step 3: They will explore issues of personal interest, investigate the topics, collect, analyze, and organize information.
Step 4: Finally, students will present this information as a project or report from using the several sources about the same topic.
