Integrating Instructional-Level Social Studies Trade Books for Struggling Readers in Upper Elementary Grades

February 16, 2010 cottrellvl

This article is so important for future teachers, as well as current teachers to read. I think that way too often, children are made to read books and materials that are above their reading level. Not only silently, but in front of the class as well. This is so unhealthy for struggling readers for many reasons. First of all, if a struggling reader is forced to read aloud in front of classmates, but has difficulty and needs help from the teacher and/or classmates, the child’s self-esteem is going to deteriorate quickly. Secondly, if a child is having to read something above their level, and then turn around and write about it, or test on it, they are doomed to failure. As teachers, it is so important that we never let it get this far. The idea of Trade Books is absolutely brilliant! Not only can Trade Books accomodate a variety of reading levels, but they can also provide a more in-depth coverage of topics that a textbook alone can’t. This article also provides a table with a list of books that relate to social studies topics, and the grade level for each of the books. So many students are getting so far behind because teachers are neglecting to work with them in finding material that they not only can read, but that will also be enjoyable for them and encourge them to read even outside of school.