Literature-Based Reading Activities: Engaging Students with Literary and Informational Text, 6th edition

Educators get invaluable information based on the authors’ beliefs that quality literature is an essential component of classroom activity and learning; teachers should engage their students in thinking deeply about ideas in literature, making connections with and across literature, and responding to literature in ways that enrich their lives; students bring unique perspectives, experiences, and contexts to their reading of literature; and social interaction is at the heart of learning.

This popular resource gives readers:

• Important background information, with particular attention to diverse learners including English learners. (Ch. 1)
• Descriptions of pre-, during-, and post-reading activities for literature-based reading experiences, complete with examples of their applications at several grade levels and for a variety of genres. (Chs. 2, 3, and 4)
• A focus on writing and publishing student work in response to literary and informational text. (Ch. 5)
• A few helpful final comments from the authors (in the Afterword).
• Lists of websites for enriching the literature experience (in the Appendix).
• Icons to draw readers’ attention to information regarding both English leaners and the use of technology.

Enhancements to this new edition include:

• New discussions showing how experiences with literature can support student progress toward:
  • Developing and using 21^st Century skills
  • Meeting the Common Core State Standards.
• Updated discussions of research, including new references to recent studies and major reports.
• A new feature inviting readers to take a few moments to learn from five or 10 tips related to the topic under discussion: Take Five! (or Take Ten!).
• Ideas and suggestions for using literature in the content areas, including a figure identifying resources for selecting literature appropriate for several content areas, plus highlighted activities particularly useful for content-area teachers.
• 11 new activities for expanding teachers’ repertoires for engaging students with literature.
• Increased attention to using technology to support students’ interactions with and responses to literature. Included are new figures sharing technology tools and tips, several new activities emphasizing the use of technology, and new ideas for integrating technology.
• More than 80 new examples of exceptional literature, including an increased number of nonfiction examples.
• A list of websites of recommended literature in which diverse populations are represented in a positive and authentic manner, with sample titles.