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Reading Thematically Related Texts to Develop Knowledge and Comprehension
Author(s) -
Gelzheiser Lynn,
HallgrenFlynn Laura,
Connors Margaret,
Scanlon Donna
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the reading teacher
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.642
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1936-2714
pISSN - 0034-0561
DOI - 10.1002/trtr.1271
Subject(s) - literacy , reading comprehension , reading (process) , comprehension , psychology , mathematics education , pedagogy , intervention (counseling) , linguistics , philosophy , psychiatry
When literacy instruction uses books selected on the basis of thematic content, it can foster the attainment of literacy goals while developing readers’ knowledge. This paper provides a rationale for the use of thematically‐related texts in literacy instruction and describes some thematic units that have been a part of literacy intervention research with struggling readers. Examples illustrate how to begin with simple texts, read multiple texts on a topic to develop knowledge, include a more challenging, culminating text, and use themes to develop useful genre knowledge. Tips for teachers who wish to develop their own content themes are suggested.