Description
Book SynopsisExploring Nonfiction with Young Learners explores the four basic nonfiction structures that the youngest learners are most likely to encounter: descriptive, recount/collection, procedural, and explanatory texts. This book also includes information to help teach four, more complex structures that younger readers sometimes encounter during read-alouds: comparison, response, causation/cause and effect, and persuasive genres. This book is organized to help plan lessons using each type of nonfiction structure. Strategies and suggestions for activities to use before, during and after reading are included. Templates and graphic organizers are also provided in order to facilitate planning, and offer additional resources. Detailed information about each text structure as well as mentor texts to illustrate each type is included. Text structures, as well as text access features, are defined and located in easy reference charts. Whole class and small group planning ideas are included throughout the book in order to allow for differentiation. Additionally, assessment ideas, sample think-alouds, lesson planning templates, and sample lessons with completed graphic organizers are included for each text structure.
Trade ReviewStudents are most likely to read expository texts for learning and work, but students do not receive enough instruction on how to comprehend that type of writing. This book proposes beginning instruction in nonfiction reading and comprehension in the primary grades so that when students reach the fourth grade and are reading primarily nonfiction material, they will have the skills to comprehend and interpret what they are reading. Following the suggestions outlined in this book, readers are guided through "before," "during," and "after" reading strategies and can select age-appropriate activities based on sound learning principles. Miner and Zitnay also explain teaching nonfiction though text structures, a key component in comprehending and evaluating reading material. The book ends with an appendix of graphic organizers and templates. It would be an excellent read for a study group of primary teachers interested in ensuring quality nonfiction reading instruction. Summing Up: Recommended. * CHOICE *
Zitnay and Miner "get it!" They have created a teacher friendly resource promoting non-fiction reading for young learners that’s an easy read, comprehensive, informative, and USEFUL!!! -- R.F. Martino, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Orange Public Schools
Exploring Nonfiction with Young Learners proves to be a practical resource for educators at all levels who search for effective strategies to help their students comprehend nonfiction text. The book’s content provides valuable information on nonfiction text structure and features supported by application and sample lesson activities along with quality assessments to measure student learning. A must for every educator’s professional bookshelf! -- Colleen M. Murray, principal, Turkey Hill School
Table of Contents Introduction ·Why Teach Nonfiction? ·How Can I Use This Book? ·What This Book Covers Chapter 1: What Makes Nonfiction Unique? ·Nonfiction Text Structures ·Nonfiction Text Access Features Chapter 2: Why is Nonfiction so Difficult to Comprehend? ·Understanding Cohesive Ties ·Using Structure-Specific Signal Words ·Activities to Teach the Use of Cohesive Ties and Signal Words Chapter 3: Getting Ready to Teach Nonfiction ·When to Teach Nonfiction ·Materials ·Before You Plan ·Planning a Lesson ·Lesson Components ·Making Room for Independent Reading Chapter 4: Before Reading ·Determining the Structure of the Text ·Building/Assessing Background Knowledge ·Introducing Key Vocabulary ·Learning Text Access Features ·Modeling Comprehension Strategies ·Before Reading Planner Chapter 5: During Reading ·Overall strategies ·A lesson sample for each text structure ·Model Text ·During Reader Planner Chapter 6: After Reading ·Overall strategies ·A lesson sample for each text structure ·Integrating writing after reading—how it fits in; lesson examples ·Blacklines; templates; organizers Chapter 7: Teaching with Text Structures ·Descriptive ·Recount ·Procedural ·Explanatory ·More complex text structures Chapter 8: Pulling It All Together/Additional Information ·Assessment of learning ·Planning Templates Appendix of Blacklines: Graphic Organizers, Templates About the Authors Bibliography of Books for the Classroom
