Trade Books can help...

Working with the younger students I'm realizing that the hands on activities aren't enough. My student population are low in vocabulary development. Whether because of our high ESL rate, or ... See More

Working with the younger students I'm realizing that the hands on activities aren't enough. My student population are low in vocabulary development. Whether because of our high ESL rate, or mixture of LD and lack of communication at home the students need reading experiences that can increase there knowledge base of vocabulary. I read the book to my 2nd graders and did all the activities. I found them still motivated and were able to recall more. Their observations are becoming stronger with the increased word list. I recommend this article and promote use of trade books. With the CCLS being implemented in content areas it is a good place to start.

Teaching through Trade Books

This article provided some books about the rock cycle as well as a sample lesson for grades K-3 and one for grades 4-6. The two books they mentioned seemed useful, and it was helpful that t... See More

This article provided some books about the rock cycle as well as a sample lesson for grades K-3 and one for grades 4-6. The two books they mentioned seemed useful, and it was helpful that they mentioned that “Let’s Go Rock Collecting” used the term “rocks” less scientifically. However, I was expecting a more extensive list of books. The sample lesson for grades K-3 seemed pretty good, assuming that students already had a background in the different types of rocks and what their physical features were. However, the 4-6 lesson was admittedly difficult for students, (and for adults, too) to complete. There were no suggestions for how to scaffold students to identify two related metamorphic and igneous/sedimentary rocks would look like. In fact, it is my understanding that such an observable relationship is not even always apparent.

Teaching through Trade Books

This article provided some books about the rock cycle as well as a sample lesson for grades K-3 and one for grades 4-6. The two books they mentioned seemed useful, and it was helpful that t... See More

This article provided some books about the rock cycle as well as a sample lesson for grades K-3 and one for grades 4-6. The two books they mentioned seemed useful, and it was helpful that they mentioned that “Let’s Go Rock Collecting” used the term “rocks” less scientifically. However, I was expecting a more extensive list of books. The sample lesson for grades K-3 seemed pretty good, assuming that students already had a background in the different types of rocks and what their physical features were. However, the 4-6 lesson was admittedly difficult for students, (and for adults, too) to complete. There were no suggestions for how to scaffold students to identify two related metamorphic and igneous/sedimentary rocks would look like. In fact, it is my understanding that such an observable relationship is not even always apparent.