Knowledge is Power!

Recently, as I reviewed student assessment data, I had the glaring reminder that so many of our young people struggle with reading and processing informational text.  By effectively reading informational text, students can gain a tremendous amount of knowledge about the world in which we live.  That knowledge is power but first we must READ!

Informational text is a subset of nonfiction meant to inform the reader.  Although nonfiction and informational text are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a difference.  The main purpose of informational text is to convey information about the natural or social world.  Generally, it is written by someone who demonstrates knowledge on the given topic.  It often consists of technical language and linguistic features that causes it to be more difficult than other texts for many of our students.

Being able to read informational text effectively is a fundamental quality of successful readers.  To do so, some students need additional support.  This support can come in the form of:

• Using graphic organizers to engage student thinking and to assist them in processing the structure of informational text.
• Supplement reading with writing.  When student learn to write informational text, they increase their familiarity and confidence in delving into reading this other challenging type of text.
• Do it daily.  Use elements of informational text as a bell ringer or an exit slip.  These quick formative assessments will strengthen students ability to work through longer, more complex readings.
• Explicitly teach comprehension strategies.  This should be done in every classroom, not just English, Language Arts, Literature, etc. All teachers are literacy teachers!

Speaking of informational text, let me introduce my April book.  This month I am reading How to Teach Students Who Don't Look Like You: Culturally Responsive Teaching Strategies by Bonnie M. Davis.  I want to determine if it will be included in my list of book recommendations for secondary school teachers.  If you have read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Whether you are a teacher, a parent, a mentor or a friend, please continue to support the young people in your life.  Encourage them to read because knowledge is power.  Happy Reading!