Infographics Pt.2

Back in November I posted on the infographics project Sarah Beth Robbins (AHS, CTE Teacher) did with her class.  Meredith Wolfe (NAMS, 6th grade ELA teacher) sent me two really good sites of infographics for students to read.  This is great practice with reading nonfiction!

http://www.kidsdiscover.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Infographic

http://dailyinfographic.com/

Carla Shinn (AHS, Media Specialist) also sent an infographic on information literacy that highlights how to get students to find credible information and cite it correctly.

Don't forget to refer back to Sarah Beth's work with creating infographics.

Text Features Chart

Several people said they were using the text features lesson I posted last week.  Below is an additional resource for you all--an informational text features chart.

It is a Google presentation so feel free to share the link with students.

Text Features

Whether you teach English/Language Arts or Health Occupations, your students need to understand informational text features.  I discovered this lesson on the web (courtesy of Milton High School in Milton, FL).  It has some great resources to teach text features.

Introduction to Text Features 
(PPT with Cornell Notes Guide)

Text Features Presentation from mrsweeks

Click here for Cornell Notes to match presentation.

"A Close-up Look at the Ol' Pigskin" Lesson

Attention Grabber
Video Clip
Review
Text Features in the Real Word PPT
Application
Text Features Team Comparison Handout
After reviewing text features with the students, give them a chance to apply their knowledge.  The handout challenges students to use the provided text features to quickly find information on the teams.
Applying to Content 
Text Feature Detective Handout
This allows students to transfer reading skills to other content areas.
Assessment
Article:  "On the Offense"
The Lexile Level is 1180 (bottom of 9-10 grade band range).  Students should read the article and then be asked to identify, explain, analyze, and determine meaning for a variety of text features.

The Power of Simple Words

Most of you are probably familiar with TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) Talks.  There is subsection of videos and lessons called TED-Ed.

Check out this really brief video lesson:  "The Power of Simple Words".  When you go to the site, click on the "Think" tab on the far right to access five multiple choice and three open answer questions.

Which language anchor standard(s) can be addressed with this mini-lesson?

~Chandra

12 Power Words

Last week I shared an interactive site that covered Larry I. Bell's 12 Power Words for testing.  Here's a YouTube video where a middle school ELA teacher, Mr. Beyah, has posted a song version of those terms and definitions.  Get your students to learn the words and apply their knowledge when taking tests.

Tests as a Genre

"When students are familiar with the tasks required by [standardized] tests, they are better able to focus their attention and energy on the content of the test and to demonstrate their abilities."  

~Dr. Frank Serafini, Assistant Professor of Literacy Education, Arizona State University


Many of us are familiar with Larry I. Bell's 12 Power Words.  If you are your students need a refresher (or initial exposure), check out the self-study interactive activity linked below:

http://www.siatechabq.org/pwrwrds/index.

Students can learn the definitions and then quiz themselves at the end.

2013 National African American Read In

In February 2013, you may  hold an African American Read-In event any day of the month.  Hosting a Read-In can be as simple as bringing students, colleagues, and/or friends  together to share a book(s) that feature professional African American writers.

To be counted as participants:

• Select books, poems, speeches authored by African Americans
• Hold your event during the month of February
• Report your results by submitting the 2013 African American Read-In Report Card

Click here to access the online Read-In Report Card.  

The African American Read-In is endorsed by the International Reading Association.