Informational Texts

In the Primary Toolkit students explore comprehension strategies as they read short, engaging, real-world informational texts. Click here for an informational text flyer

LESSON TEXT POSTER PACK

Lesson Text Poster Pack contains six large posters from TIME For Kids Bigger Picture Edition and an issue of National Geographic Young Explorer. The six posters from TIME For Kids Bigger Picture Edition and the issue of National Geographic Young Explorer provide high-quality opportunities to read a variety of nonfiction texts with multiple entry points.

• TIME For Kids Bigger Picture Edition
  Provided in expansive poster format (15'' x 20''), the TIME For Kids Bigger Picture Edition articles are ideal for shared reading and discussion. The articles include:
  • "Taking a Trip"
  • "Spiders!"
  • "Ladybugs Grow Up"
  • "Amazing Helen Keller"
  • "A Visit to Mexico"
  • "Welcome to the Rain Forest"

  These large-format texts address science and social studies topics, promote visual literacy, and give young learners a great chance to think and wonder about the images as well as the text.

  While these articles offer compelling, age-appropriate reading, the rich array of engaging graphics and type treatments allow students to explore and practice using features common to nonfiction text.

• National Geographic Young Explorer
  This 24-page issue of National Geographic Young Explorer offers four short nonfiction articles that explore the life cycle of a butterfly, the anatomy of caterpillars and butterflies, and ways seeds are spread.

  It is important to familiarize young readers with a range of genres and formats. Theme-oriented periodicals like this are ideal for exploring a topic in multiple ways.

THE PRIMARY TOOLKIT TRADE BOOK PACK

The Trade Book Pack contains the nine engaging trade books referenced in the Primary Toolkit lessons. The trade book pack includes:

• Antarctica, by Helen Cowcher
• The Art Lesson, by Tomie dePaola
• Biggest, Strongest, Fastest, by Steve Jenkins
• The Great Kapok Tree, by Lynne Cherry
• Honey, I Love, by Eloise Greenfield
• Insects, by Robin Bernard
• Patches Lost and Found, by Steven Kroll
• Recess at 20 Below, by Cindy Lou Aillaud
• Tornado, by Catherine Chambers

Because some teachers may want to purchase class sets and others may already own these popular books, these books are available as an optional purchase. KEEP READING! A SOURCE BOOK OF SHORT TEXT

Keep Reading! A Source Book of Short Text is a collection of nonfiction texts that support and extend each Toolkit lesson. The source book provides two kinds of text in a reproducible format: Lesson Text—the readings used in many lessons—and Nonfiction Short Text-alternative text you can use in addition to or in place of the Lesson Text for reteaching or for further guided and independent practice. Click here for a complete list of lesson text and alternative nonfiction short text.

Lesson Text
All of the readings from the Poster Pack are provided in a reproducible format that is easy to photocopy and share with students. In addition to providing students with text they can sink their teeth into, the source book's easy-to-share format encourages students to draw directly on the page, write in the margins, and map the tracks of their thinking.

Nonfiction Short Text
To help teachers build a library of engaging, age-appropriate nonfiction texts, the Source Book of Short Text provides 39 short informational articles specially written for the Primary Toolkit. Geared to kindergarten and first- and second-grade learners, these texts are packed with illustrations, photographs, maps, charts, and other nonfiction features.

To help you differentiate instruction, Nonfiction Short Text is organized thematically and by reading challenge. Every thematic grouping offers texts with a range of readability levels. The cross-curricular themes include:

• Animals
• Nature
• Seasons and Weather
• Family, Home, and Community
• County and City Life
• Around the United States
• How-To, Time, and Calendar
• Art
• Sports

Click here for free Spanish versions of these nonfiction short texts.

Bibliographies
In addition to providing engaging, real world informational text, Keep Reading! A Source Book of Short Text offers a series of annotated bibliographies-books that will enhance any nonfiction library. The practical bibliographies include:

• Trade and Picture Books—books grouped into user-friendly categories: social studies, science, sports, the arts, and literacy
• Magazines for Kids—periodicals specifically written and designed for kids
• Exploring Reading Online-age-appropriate short texts you can download from the web
• Professional Books and Resources to Extend Your Understanding-resources on reading comprehension process and practice
• Books That Celebrate the Joy of Reading—Steph and Anne's favorite books about the importance of reading for ourselves and for children.