ALL ABOUT READING

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.