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Improving Reading, Writing, and Content Learning for Students in Grades 4-12
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Improving Reading, Writing, and Content Learning for Students in Grades 4-12

Edited by:


November 2006 | 128 pages | Corwin
'Fills a niche for content teachers who teach reading strategies, particularly in light of the standards movement' - Christene Alfonsi, Teacher, Fairfield High School, OH

'From a fairly concise book, teachers get an important overview about a "system" approach to literacy. All teachers get specific tools and strategies and some very useful information that could change their paradigm along the way' - Allyson Burnett, Instructional Interventionist, Alief Hastings High School, Houston, TX

Put a strong literacy system in place to improve student achievement!

In contrast to the primary grades when children are learning to read, students in grades 4 through 12 are expected to learn content as they read, yet they may still struggle with reading basics. Improving Reading, Writing, and Content Learning for Students in Grades 4-12 provides a realistic and systematic process for improving reading and writing while enhancing content knowledge and skills.

Based on proven evidence in multiple schools over a 10-year period, this excellent new resource presents specific strategies and successful examples that educators can immediately implement to improve day-to-day classroom success, while also boosting the success rate on standardized assessments. Aligned with the National Reading Panel Report, this book helps teachers focus on:

· Creating a classroom community that is academically and psychologically safe for learning

· Responding to non-negotiable expectations of daily practice

· Building vocabulary, reading comprehension, and higher-order and critical thinking skills

· Developing fluency in reading

· Engaging families and the community

Teachers can create the best environment and instructional experience for all students to maximize literacy learning and standards-based achievement. This outstanding book will be a source of reflection for continuous improvement!

 
List of Figures
 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Authors
 
1. The Fail-Safe Classroom: Improving Reading, Writing, and Content Learning
Introduction

 
Academically and Psychologically Safe to Learn

 
Nonnegotiable Expectations of Daily Practice

 
Nonnegotiable Expectations of Daily Practice and Writing

 
Practical Tips for Creating Fail-Safe Classrooms for Literacy and Content

 
Learning

 
 
2. Reading Components for Grades 4--12
Phonemic Awareness

 
Phonics

 
Relationship of Nonnegotiables and Reading Components

 
Relevant and Respectful Literacy for Below-Grade-Level Readers

 
Reading Intervention and Phonemic Awareness

 
Technology Solutions

 
Audiobooks

 
Practical Tips for Phonics and Phonemic Awareness Support

 
 
3. Owning Vocabulary
Vocabulary Solvers

 
Vocabulary in Context

 
Word Questioning Target Word: Nylons

 
Textbook Vocabulary Lists

 
Word Walls

 
Personal Dictionary, Thesaurus, or Journal

 
Vocabulary Workbooks

 
Spelling and Writing

 
Practical Tips for Developing Student-Owned Vocabulary

 
 
4. Developing Fluency in Reading All Texts
What Is Fluency and Why Is It So Important?

 
Developing Fluency in Reading Intervention

 
Developing Fluency in Reading Content Texts

 
Accountable Independent Reading

 
Practical Tips for Developing Fluency

 
 
5. Owning Comprehension Strategies
Key Comprehension Strategies

 
Summarization

 
Teaching Strategies With Scaffolding

 
To What Extent Should Strategies Be Incorporated?

 
SMART Tasks

 
Graphic Organizers

 
Practical Tips for Owning Comprehension Strategies

 
 
6. Comprehending With Higher Levels of Thinking
Higher Levels of Thinking

 
Questioning Strategies

 
More Questioning Techniques

 
Higher Thinking With Graphic Organizers

 
Align Instructional Resources

 
Practical Tips for Higher-Level Thinking

 
 
7. Engaging Parents and Community in Literacy Learning
Engaging Parents

 
Educating Parents in Literacy Learning

 
Engaging the Community

 
Volunteers

 
Service Learning

 
Reflection on Improving Reading, Writing, and Content Learning

 
Practical Tips for Engaging Parents and Community in Literacy Learning

 
 
Resource A: Teacher Reflection Guide
 
Resource B: Accountable Independent Reading Log
 
Resource C: Book Talk Checklist
 
References
 
Index

"This book will fill a niche for content teachers who need to be teaching reading strategies, particularly in light of the standards movement."

Christene Alfonsi, Teacher
Fairfield Senior High School, OH

"From a fairly concise book, teachers will get an important overview about a 'system' approach to literacy. All teachers will get specific tools and strategies to try, and some very useful information that could change their paradigm along the way."

Allyson Burnett, Instructional Interventionist
Alief Hastings High School, Houston, TX

Sample Materials & Chapters

Preface

Chapter 1


For instructors

Please contact your Academic Consultant to check inspection copy availability for your course.

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