I like this series because each paragraph is about a different explorer, which helps the kids organize the ideas. It also has nice sections with clear headings that we used for main idea, as well as nice examples of informational text headers.
Underlined words below are lesson vocabulary words that are emphasized and written on sentence strips for my Reading & Writing word wall. I pull off the words off the wall for each lesson, helping students understand this key 'reading and writing' vocabulary can be generalized across texts and topics. The focus on acquiring and using these words is part of a shift in the Common Core Standards towards building students’ academic vocabulary. My words are color coded ‘pink’ for literature/’blue’ for reading strategies/’orange’ for informational text/'yellow' for writing/’green’ for all other words)
Get students engaged
Bring in background knowledge
Explain organization of the informational text
Take the time to reinforce the organization and use of text features. Students often read without looking at the ‘header’ and structure of the sections. Knowing and using these text features aids in 'close reading', a shift in the Common Core standards toward reading with a purpose. (RI.2.5)
Reinforce to students that information is organized in the text by chapter, section, paragraph and sentences. As they identify the main topic of the whole text as well as the focus of specific parts, (RI.2.2) they will be able to comprehend better and find key details more easily.
Discuss the informational text organization
Preview the first chapter and read
Demonstrate project
Set up groups
Assign task to students
Student read and complete the organizer
Make sure students read and verify ideas from the text. They should be able to point out a map, words or other text features to show where they got the answer. This is a video of one of my students explaining how she got the information.
Prep for project
Students work on the project
Model sharing the timeline
Students share