Do you give your students choices for what they will read? Choice is a huge motivator. We had been reading informational text and learning about the features author’s include to make it easier for us to understand the text. So they were ready to make some choices of what they each wanted to read and learn about.
I chose several informational books within a range of levels to fit my students. Then I labeled the books A-E with Post It notes and placed them around the room.
Students were given this packet to clip to a clipboard. They used the packet as they traveled around to the different books.
After previewing each book, the students would record what they thought about the books. Then at the end, they listed their choices of what they would each like to read.
Each student made their choice for themselves. They were not voting on what the group would read. This was a time they could be individual with their thoughts and choices. Unless the level was particularly difficult for them, I gave them what they chose for their number 1 choice. Then students got to read and mark places in their books with Post It notes to help them fill out the next packet.
The students really enjoyed their informational texts that they were reading and learning about because it was information that they chose. They were invested in it and found the texts very interesting. It was a favorite activity for them.
This student was still working on his packet when I snapped this picture. But I wanted you to be able to see what information he was reading for on the second page.
If you click here you can pick up an informational freebie for your classroom and students! Hope you enjoy!
Karen Ganon says
Lovely, sequential pack. Thank you. (I really liked that they had to judge which text feature helped them the most.)
lorivines4 says
Thank you Karen! I hope you find the informational text packet helpful!
Jayne Gammons says
I'll be using this next year. Thanks! Jayne
Smart Kids
lorivines4 says
Sounds great, Jayne! I hope it helps!
Aylin Claahsen says
I love the pack you had students fill out so they are making good decisions about a best choice book for them- makes it so meaningful!
Aylin
Learning to the Core
lorivines4 says
Thanks Aylin! My struggling readers need extra practice at choosing the text that is just right for them. 🙂
Carrie Jones says
HI Lori! thank you for this informational text resource! It is helpful and cute! I am glad that I found your blog. I am one of your newest followers here and on TpT! Found you on Pinterest…will find you there too! Have a great day and thank you for the helpful tips. We can't get enough of those!
Carrie
i Heart Second
The Think Aloud Cloud
lorivines4 says
You are welcome, Carrie! I am glad you liked the informational text packet. 🙂
Tammy says
I like how the kids got to shop for the books and had to think about both interest and appropriateness. Those two factors will help them in the future when the need to choose books on their own.
lorivines4 says
Choice and appropriateness are both areas that my students need! Thanks Tammy!
Jessica H says
Thanks so much! I actually picked up these exact same books and always wanted to do an activity with them!
lorivines4 says
You are so welcome, Jessica! Aren't those books great? My students love them. Thank you for coming by!
Linda Nelson @ Primary Inspiration says
What a well-done set! I love that your students are selecting based on both interest and appropriate level of difficulty.
lorivines4 says
Thank you, Linda! It really does make a difference for students to have choices in what they read. 🙂 Thanks for coming by!