1. Gail E. Tompkins California State University, Fresno
Literacy in the Middle Grades Teaching Reading and Writing to Fourth to Eighth Graders, 2e Second Edition
Gail E. Tompkins
California State University, Fresno
Prepared by
Helen Hoffner
Holy Family University
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2. Chapter 12
Reading Trade Books
A wide variety of high-quality picture books and chapter books are available for use in thematic units.
Text Sets
Teachers collect text sets of books and other reading materials for use in thematic units.
Mentor Texts
Teachers use familiar stories, informational books, and poems as models of quality writing.

3. Teaching with Content-Area Textbooks
Chapter 12
Teaching with Content-Area Textbooks
Help students use the unique conventions of textbooks
Have students create questions before reading
Introduce key terms before students read
Have students focus on the big ideas
Have students complete graphic organizers

4. Teaching with Content-Area Textbooks
Chapter 12
Teaching with Content-Area Textbooks
Include small-group activities
Teach students to take notes
Supplement with text sets
Use the listen-read-discuss format
Encourage students to be active readers

5. Studying As they study, students should:
Chapter 12
Studying As they study, students should:
Restate the big idea in their own words
Make connections among the big ideas
Add details to each of the big ideas
Ask questions about the importance of the ideas
Monitor whether they understand the ideas

6. Question-Answer Relationships (QAR)
Chapter 12
Question-Answer Relationships (QAR)
QAR teaches students to be consciously aware of whether they are likely to find the answer to a question:
Right there (on the textbook page)
Between the lines
Beyond the information provided in the text

7. Writing as a Learning Tool
Chapter 12
Writing as a Learning Tool
Learning Logs
Double-Entry Journals
Simulated Journals
Quickwriting

8. Developing a Thematic Unit
Chapter 12
Developing a Thematic Unit
Determine the focus.
Collect a text set of books.
Coordinate content-area textbook readings.
Locate Internet and other multimedia materials.
Plan instructional activities.

9. Developing a Thematic Unit
Chapter 12
Developing a Thematic Unit
6. Identify topics for minilessons.
7. Consider ways to differentiate instruction.
8. Brainstorm possible projects.
9. Plan for assessment.

10. Scaffolding English Learners
Chapter 12
Scaffolding English Learners
Use visuals and manipulatives
Preteach big ideas & vocabulary
Teach students about expository text structures
Practice taking notes with students
Use graphic organizers
Use a textbook as only one resource

11. Webquests: Inquiry-Oriented Online Projects
Chapter 12
Webquests: Inquiry-Oriented Online Projects
Components of a Webquest:
Introduction
Task
Process
Resources
Evaluation
Conclusion