Toward a Balanced Diet of Reading

• Reading & Writing In The Content Area

Toward a Balanced Diet of Reading

Picking Texts

• Make information readable and memorable
• Find texts that are engaging
• Use texts that go in-depth on one topic
• Help students make connections between readings throughout the year 

Textbooks Versus Other Genres

Students should sample other genres including

•  News Stories
• Essays
• Memoirs
• Poetry
• Reviews
• Plays

What is your favorite genre to read?

Choice Versus Assigned

• Students should be free to pick some of their own reading material 
• When students pick, it lets you know their interests 
• Most students will need practice and guidance when choosing a 'just right' book

In

 In your classroom, will you let students pick some of their reading materials?

YES

NO

Mirror texts are when the readings include similar stories, cultures, and experiences as the reader.

Window texts allow students to look at other people's reflections to understand their stories and ways of life.

Characteristics of Text

• It is good to have a balance between challenging and easy texts
• Students should read comfortable and fun texts as well as those that challenge them
• Having short texts is good for quick readings and discussions 

Sources

• It is good to teach using more than one source
• Move away from the dependence on a textbook
• Using multiple sources shows students the range of views and ideas
• Sources show different sides on the same topic 

Building a Classroom Library

• Have an assortment of reading materials for students to choose from
• Include online resources, non-fiction, and novels
• Have a range of diversity, lengths, and difficulty levels 

What is a book you want to include
in your classroom library?

Using and Managing Your Classroom Library

• When teachers read the books in their library, they can recommend and discuss them with students.
• It's important to sort your books so students know where to look for them.