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Why do excellent readers often struggle when they are exposed to nonfiction books and text? Students tend to approach content text the same way they approach literature. Students need to learn how to read content material. This course focuses on practical strategies teachers can use for integrating nonfiction, informational books into the K-3 classroom as a valuable supplement to classroom textbooks. With a focus on how to teach expository reading skills, the course also covers comprehension, text structure, and strategic reading instruction.

"I enjoyed this course. I found it interesting and helpful as content learning is exactly what we begin in the second grade. I will find myself using many of the suggestions in the upcoming year." - Joyce Bourdon

Three Enrollment Options

Course Registration Only $124

Course plus graduate level credit from USD ($124 plus $200)

Course plus continuing education units from USC ($124 plus $200)

 

Topical Outline:

Unit One Introduction to the Course Introduction to Content Area Literacy Assignment #1: Write an autobiography Assignment #2: Article reflection Test #1 Unit Two Narrative versus Expository Text The Benefits of Using Nonfiction Literature Text Structure Test #2 Unit Three Expository Text on the Internet Strategic Reading Instruction Teaching Comprehension Skills Assignment #3: Respond to a classmate Test #3

Unit Four Nonfiction Literature in the Science Curriculum Nonfiction Literature in the Social Studies Curriculum Nonfiction Literature in the Math Curriculum Test #4 Unit Five Teaching Nonfiction/Expository Writing English Language Learners and Nonfiction Literature How to Choose the Best Nonfiction Literature Test #5 Unit Six Developing Thematic Units Using Nonfiction Literature Nonfiction Literature for Teaching Health and Fine Arts Resources for Finding Nonfiction Books Assignment #4: Select a theme that you can develop thematic unit lesson ideas around.

 

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General Information

USD Graduate-Level Credit

USC Continuing Education Units

PDI Completion Letter

Online Resource Books

Monthly Specials/Online Survey

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