Textbook Activity Guide

What: Textbook Activity Guide – reading strategy that encourages active participation during reading of textbook materials

Who: 4th grade and up (using textbooks), although it could be modified for use with younger students and informational text

When: Before, during, and after reading

Why: This strategy: 1) guides readers through textbooks with tasks directly related to objectives; 2) emphasizes active student involvement through cooperative learning and a self-monitoring component; and 3) engages students in a variety of activities such as discussing, writing, demonstrating, drawing, and creating.

How: Use the following 5 steps for developing a Textbook Activity Guide

Step 1: Clearly specify learning objectives.

Step 2: Identify and note all sections, diagrams, and headings that focus on these objectives.

Step 3: Carefully select and sequence the particular text features to be used.

Initially, keep TAGs short, allowing class time to explain and demonstrate their use.
As time progresses, TADs can be longer, involve several days of class, and tap many textbook pages.

Step 4: Determine an appropriate reading/study task for each objective (e.g., discuss with partner, organize information using diagram or map).

Sample codes:

DP = read and discuss with your partner

WR = write an answer/response

PP = predict with your partner

Skim = skim (read quickly) for stated purpose; discuss with your partner

O = Organize information by creating a map, chart, or other visual representation

Step 5: Generate a strategy code system to simplify tasks and put everything together in a readable format. Place line markers for self-monitoring beside each TAG task for students to self-assess understanding of content objectives.

Helpful hints: 1) explain and demonstrate use of TAGs before assignment; 2) start small (e.g., one section, 20 minutes); 3) pair students appropriately; 4) try out a TAG with more able readers in class; and, 5) vary TAG use with other textbook approaches such as group directed reading activities and individualized assignments to avoid student boredom.