Non-Fiction Text Structures for Better Comprehension and Response

by Gail Saunders-Smith

Overview

Non-fiction text structures organize information into comprehensible patterns. Knowing how to recognize and use these structures to navigate non-fiction text greatly improves students’ understanding of what they read. Gail Saunders-Smith simplifies the process by providing teachers of grades 4-8 with: ways to teach each of the five non-fiction text structures: compare/contrast, cause/effect, sequence/procedure, question/answer, and exemplification; engaging whole-class and small-group activities using written, verbal, image, three-dimensional, and technology responses; study skills for locating, recording, and using information; tools for assessing student understanding, and explanations of the text features that organize information within the text structures; and mini-lessons for whole-class, small-group, and independent application of students' text structure knowledge. Examples, photographs, student samples, and graphic organizers support your teaching, and a bibliography of professional books and resources for locating leveled non-fiction texts make this a complete, ready-to-use guide for improving student comprehension.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781934338384
Publisher:	Capstone
Publication date:	01/01/2013
Series:	Maupin House
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	9 - 13 Years

About the Author

Gail Saunders-Smith is an assistant education professor at Youngstown State University in Ohio. She is also an independent staff developer, writer, and editor. She presents nationally at conferences on literacy development and instruction and has written numerous articles, children's non-fiction books, and professional resources. Gail holds a B.S. and M.A. in Early Childhood Education from Kent State University and a M.S. in Administration and Supervision from Youngstown State University. She completed post-graduate work at The Ohio State University and earned a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from The University of Akron. Gail is a former classroom teacher, Reading Recovery Teacher Leader, and Reading/Language Arts K-12 Supervisor and Coordinator of State and Federal Programs for the Summit County ESC.