Create Your Own Book

For our final project in MEDUC 532, we were tasked with creating an informational text on two reading levels. I chose to create a text for First Grade, at reading levels H and E. I determined H to be an appropriate level for the end of First Grade, and E to be an expected level earlier in the year. To make this determination, I reviewed guidelines by F&P, examined numerous examples of texts on these levels, and discussed with my mentor teacher who I observed this semester.

The topic for my book is water, specifically bodies of water. The book discusses both salt and fresh water sources, with descriptions and photos of an ocean, stream, pond, lake, and river. I did have some difficulty narrowing down the information that I wanted to include, as I found myself with more than necessary for this level. It was important to me to keep the information factual and relevant, without going over students' heads. I found this to be challenging, but a definite learning experience for me.

Throughout the book, I used red text to indicate words that were included in the glossary, which also used red text for key words and black text for descriptions. Sentance structure, number of words, and number of sentences were all modified for the two different levels.

I would use this book as a guided reading text, most likely in a small group setting. It would be read in conjunction with a science or geography lesson dealing with bodies of water. Discussion following reading may include students' experiences with various bodies of water, where we may find each of them (locally and globally). I would be interested in finding other books, both fiction and non-fiction, to use in subsequent lessons to build upon students' understanding and knowledge.