Non-Fiction Text Structures for Better Comprehension and Response, Grades 4 -8

This guide for teachers of grades 4-8 gives instructions for teaching students how to recognize five common non-fiction text structures and how to locate, record, and use information from non-fiction. The guide features whole-class and small-group activities which allow students to respond in writing, verbally, in images, three-dimensionally, and with technology. Each lesson is designed for a 30- to 45-minute workshop format, with notes for differentiation included. A final chapter gives step-by-step instructions for a three- to five-day teaching cycle for each of the five text structures, beginning with a whole-group lesson and ending with independent applications. The guide is illustrated with b&w photos, text examples, student work, and graphic organizers. A bibliography of resources for locating leveled non-fiction texts is included. Saunders-Smith is an assistant education professor at Youngstown State University. Annotation c2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)