About the Book
Created specifically for middle school teachers, Pam Allyn’s dynamic Core Ready Program provides a complete toolkit for navigating and thriving with the core standards. In it teachers see clearly how to take complex concepts of the literacy standards and turn them into practical, specific, everyday instruction. The series is organized around the author’s Four Doors to the Core:
The Journey to Meaning: Comprehension and Critique
The Shape of Story: Yesterday and Today
The Road to Knowledge: Information and Research
The Power to Persuade: Opinion and Argument
Each book in the series includes powerful reading, writing, speaking, and listening sets; assessment rubrics; support for ELLs and diverse learners; and tips for doing high tech variations for literacy instruction for grades 6, 7, and 8.
Visit http://pdtoolkit.pearson.com to purchase access to the PDToolkit for Pam Allyn's Core Ready Series. The PDToolkit access does not come with the print book.
PDToolkit for Pam Allyn's Core Ready Series is a supplemental online subscription-based resource that provides the tools that educators need to implement the Common Core Standards effectively, fluidly, and successfully. The PDToolkit, together with the texts, provides the tools you need to ensure a standards-aligned year of joyful, effective, research-based literacy curriculum.
Table of Contents:
About the Core Ready Series iii
Acknowledgments iv
Welcome xii
Walk Through a Lesson Set xv
FAQs About the Core Ready Lesson Sets xxiv
Grade 6 Point of View and Purpose: A Gateway to Literary Nonfiction 2
Introduction 3
Common Core State Standards Alignment 4
Core Questions 5
Lesson Set Goals 5
Choosing Core Texts 6
Teacher’s Note 7
Questions for Close Reading 8
Building Academic Language 8
Recognition 8
Complementary Core Methods 9
Core Connections at Home 9
Reading Lessons 10
The Core I.D.E.A. / Daily Reading Instruction at a Glance 11
Lesson 1 Readers preview a text to support comprehension of literary nonfiction. 12
Lesson 2 Readers research unfamiliar terms in literary nonfiction. 14
Lesson 3 Readers determine a central idea and its significance in a memoir. 17
Lesson 4 Readers conduct close readings of literary nonfiction to determine purpose and audience. 20
Lesson 5 Readers identify the central idea, purpose, and audience of a speech. 23
Lesson 6 Readers identify the point of view ofthe narrator or speaker in literary nonfiction. 25
Lesson 7 Readers analyze multiple elements of literary nonfiction. 28
Lesson 8 Readers cite specific textual evidence to support their analysis. 30
Lesson 9 Readers compare and contrast how two authors present similar information. 32
Lesson 10 Readers add new genres and topics to their reading lives and make recommendations to others. 35
Writing Lessons 39
The Core I.D.E.A. / Daily Writing Instruction at a Glance 40
Lesson 1 Writers organize information on nonfiction topics in a variety of ways. 41
Lesson 2 Writers take organized notes to record their thinking and learning about reading. 43
Lesson 3 Writers chose a topic for their literary nonfiction pieces. 45
Lesson 4 Writers conduct research to gather relevant facts and details to use in their literary nonfiction writing. 48
Lesson 5 Writers choose a genre and plan the elements of a literary nonfiction piece. 50
Lesson 6 Writers use precise language and vocabulary to draft a work of literary nonfiction. 52
Lesson 7 Writers revise their work with an eyeon transitional words and phrases. 55
Lesson 8 Writers edit their writing for grammar and conventions of standard English usage. 57
Lesson 9 Writers add visual components totheir work in order to enhance and clarify the information presented. 59
Lesson 10 Writers share their works of literary nonfiction with an authentic audience. 61
Glossary 64
Grade 7 Source Credibility: Becoming Readers and Writers of Media 66
Introduction 67
Common Core State Standards Alignment 68
Core Questions 69
Lesson Set Goals 69
Choosing Core Texts 70
Teacher’s Note 70
Questions for Close Reading 71
Building Academic Language 71
Recognition 72
Core Connections at Home 72
Reading Lessons 73
The Core I.D.E.A. / Daily Reading Instruction at a Glance 74
Lesson 1 Readers analyze a variety of media messages for key elements. 75
Lesson 2 Readers use a variety of media sources to find information. 77
Lesson 3 Readers ask questions to determine the credibility and accuracy of a source. 80
Lesson 4 Readers use explicit evidence from a source to draw conclusions about credibility. 84
Lesson 5 Readers use search terms effectively to find sources. 86
Lesson 6 Readers recognize the challenges of using the Internet to find credible sources. 89
Lesson 7 Readers compare and contrast search engines as tools to find credible sources. 91
Lesson 8 Readers analyze URLs for clues about sources and their credibility. 93
Lesson 9 Readers detect bias in an informational source. 98
Lesson 10 Readers showcase their learning about source credibility. 101
Writing Lessons 104
The Core I.D.E.A. / Daily Writing Instruction at a Glance 105
Lesson 1 Writers examine the characteristics of a feature article. 106
Lesson 2 Writers choose a topic and areas of focus for feature articles. 109
Lesson 3 Writers gather and select credible and accurate sources. 112
Lesson 4 Writers gather, analyze, and organize information from sources. 116
Lesson 5 Writers track sources and create a working bibliography of references. 119
Lesson 6 Writers merge multiple sources into one draft. 121
Lesson 7 Writers add text features and multimedia elements of feature articles. 124
Lesson 8 Writers use precise language and style to strengthen and clarify meaning in a feature article. 126
Lesson 9 Writers revise and edit their feature articles using a checklist of requirements. 129
Lesson 10 Writers publish and share their research with an authentic audience. 132
Glossary 134
Grade 8 Mastering Multiple Sources: When Texts Disagree on Matters of Fact or Interpretation 136
Introduction 137
Common Core State Standards Alignment 138
Core Questions 139
Lesson Set Goals 139
Choosing Core Texts 140
Teacher’s Note 141
Questions for Close Reading 141
Building Academic
Language 141
Recognition 142
Complementary Core Methods 142
Core Connections at Home 143
Reading Lessons 144
The Core I.D.E.A. / Daily Reading Instruction at a Glance 145
Lesson 1 Readers explore a variety of informational genres and gather texts on a topic. 146
Lesson 2 Readers distinguish between fact, interpretation, and opinion. 148
Lesson 3 Readers recognize the relationship between accuracy and credibility in informational sources (evaluate multiple sources). 151
Lesson 4 Readers trace the development of central ideas of an informational text. 155
Lesson 5 Readers identify text structures in informational text. 159
Lesson 6 Readers analyze how informational text makes connections among and distinctions between ideas through analogy. 161
Lesson 7 Readers clarify the meaning of words and phrases in informational text. 164
Lesson 8 Readers analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts. 168
Lesson 9 Readers examine an argument as a source of information and analyze its effectiveness. 170
Lesson 10 Readers analyze how two sources disagree on matters of fact and interpretation. 173
Writing Lessons 177
The Core I.D.E.A. / Daily Writing Instruction at a Glance 178
Lesson 1 Writers use common text structures to develop a central idea of an expository essay. 179
Lesson 2 Writers self-generate research questions to guide the search for information. 182
Lesson 3 Writers conduct effective searches for information from multiple credible sources. 185
Lesson 4 Writers gather and organize relevant information from multiple sources. 189
Lesson 5 Writers compose a thesis statement and plan to merge information from multiple sources into one work. 192
Lesson 6 Writers apply effective strategies when informational sources conflict with each other. 195
Lesson 7 Writers compose clear introductions and organized body paragraphs. 197
Lesson 8 Writers establish and maintain a formal academic tone. 200
Lesson 9 Writers compose a conclusion to the essay that follows from and supports the information presented. 202
Lesson 10 Writers revise and edit in order to present their work to others. 203
Glossary 208
Appendixes
Grade 6 Appendixes
Appendix 6.1 Biographies 211
Appendix 6.2 Memoir: Bear Lake 216
Appendix 6.3 Personal Essay: Your Brain Can Help You Climb a Mountain 218
Appendix 6.4 Literary Nonfiction Revising and Editing Checklist 219
Appendix 6.5 Rules for Collegial Sharing of Writing 220
Grade 7 Appendixes
Appendix 7.1 Sample Feature Article: Treasures in the Trees 221
Appendix 7.2 5Ws and 1H to Determine Source Credibility 226
Appendix 7.3 Web Search Task Cards 232
Appendix 7.4 The Internet Q and A 233
Appendix 7.5 Steps to Scrutinizing a URL 234
Appendix 7.6 Internet Scavenger Hunt 236
Appendix 7.7 5Ws and 1H to Detect Bias in Media Sources 237
Appendix 7.8 Informational Pieces on Animal Testing That Reveal Bias 239
Appendix 7.9 Source Credibility Showcase Requirements 242
Appendix 7.10 Defining Characteristics of Feature Articles 243
Appendix 7.11 Text Features and Multimedia Components of a Feature Article 244
Appendix 7.12 Feature Article Assignment Specifications 245
Appendix 7.13 List of Feature Article Topics 246
Appendix 7.14 List of Transitional Words and Phrases 248
Appendix 7.15 Feature Article Revising and Editing Checklist 249
Appendix 7.16 Rules for Collegial Sharing of Writing 251
Grade 8 Appendixes
Appendix 8.1 Informational Text in the Core Standards 252
Appendix 8.2 Sample Informational Articles #1 and #2: “Spiders Listen to Their Webs” and “Scientists Find Achilles’ Heel of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria” 253
Appendix 8.3 5Ws and 1H to Determine Source Credibility 257
Appendix 8.4 5Ws and 1H to Detect Bias in Media Sources 262
Appendix 8.5 Sample Biography: Thomas Edison: The Power of Curiosity 264
Appendix 8.6 Common Informational Text Structures 266
Appendix 8.7 Text Structure Sample Paragraphs 267
Appendix 8.8 Common Forms of Figurative Language in Informational Text 269
Appendix 8.9 Common Literary Allusions 270
Appendix 8.10 Sample Argumentative Texts #1 and #2: “Making Summer Jobs Scarcer, as I See It” and “A Higher Minimum Wage Will Lead to More Jobs” 272
Appendix 8.11 Elements of Argumentative Text 276
Appendix 8.12 Elements of Argumentative Text Graphic Organizer 278
Appendix 8.13 Research Guide 280
Appendix 8.14 Expository Essay Assignment Specifications 281
Appendix 8.15 Sample Expository Essay: Burma: Demonstrating a Desire for Democracy 283
Appendix 8.16 Beginning Techniques for Essays 287
Appendix 8.17 List of Transitional Words and Phrases 289
Appendix 8.18 Expository Essay Revising and Editing Checklist 290
References 292
About the Author :
Pam Allyn is an authority in the field of literacy education and the world’s expert in home and school literacy connections. As a renowned motivational speaker, expert consultant, author, teacher, and humanitarian for children, she is transforming the way we think about literacy as a tool for communication and knowledge building. She is the executive director of LitLife, a national literacy development organization providing research-based professional development for K-12 educators. She founded and leads LitWorld, a groundbreaking global literacy initiative, reaching children across the United States and in over 60 countries. Her methods for helping all students achieve as literacy learners, including the most diverse learners, has brought her acclaim both in the United States and internationally. Pam is the author of eleven books for educators and parents including the award-winning What To Read When: The Books and Stories To Read With Your Child-And All The Best Times To Read Them (Penguin Avery), Pam Allyn's Best Books for Boys (Scholastic) and Your Child’s Writing Life: How to Inspire Confidence, Creativity, and Skill at Every Age (Penguin Avery). Her work has been featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show, the Huffington Post, Al Jazeera English, NBC News, CNN, The New York Times and across the blogosphere.
Review :
Praise for the CORE READY series: ""[T]his is a great way to teach ELA.... a group of teachers could use this to change their core reading program... I see this as a way to truly become a reader and writer for today's world.""-- Edward Karl Shultz, Midwestern State University ""This book is so inspiring! I hope many districts adopt your program! It will change the lives of many students for the better!""-- Elizabeth Smith, Madison Elementary School (VA) ""Pam Allyn's impressive book, Be Core Ready, provides practical, useful, and insightful advice on how to implement the Common Core State Standards. Her conversational tone, passion for literacy, and, above all else, her unwavering commitment to doing what is best for all learners will help educators build core strengths in every student. Multiple copies belong in every school's professional development collection."" -John Schumacher, Teacher-Librarian ""In this informative yet accessible book, Pam Allyn draws upon her extensive understanding of the Common Core State Standards and the changes they demand for literacy education to offer innovative strategies and implementation techniques that develop college and career readiness and inspire all students to become 'curators of ideas' and lifelong readers, writers, speakers, and listeners. I will definitely use the Core Ready Series in my ongoing work with teachers and city schools.""-Ernest Morrell, Teachers College, Columbia University " "An inspiring book; filled with thought-provoking insights into the Common Core standards. Pam alleviates "core anxiety " by providing innovative ways to fill any gaps that may exist in your current classroom practices. She takes a look at the everyday literacy skills utilized by a variety of professionals and weaves a link down to our youngest learners. Pam's explanations of the necessary "shifts" I need to make in my teaching are user- friendly and easy to implement. I love the Colleague Conversation starters designed to open dialog
CORE READY LESSON SETS: 3-5 Books ""[This is an] innovative text that effectively presents reading and writing as what they truly are: vital tools that our students need in order to live successful lives. It calls upon students to become active lifelong learners and challenges them to extend their reading and writing abilities. Its lessons give students the "hands on approach" that is needed to motivate them to become effective analysts and authors.... Most importantly, all literacy skills taught in this text are presented in the same way that our students will see them in their adult lives. This book will bring life into your reading and writing workshops. This is the text that all effective teachers have been asking and waiting for."" ""I love what this book stands for academically. I love how easy it is to follow. I love how it contains everything from the pre-assessment of a skill until the final rubric. This book would allow me to spend more time teaching and less time planning/preparing. A home run for both me and my students."" -- Elizabeth Smith, Madison Elementary School (VA) ""Inspiring. Genuine. Talking from down in the trenches not from up on high. Brings the Common Core down from the rafters for a more manageable understanding."" -- Wendy Fiore, Chester Elementary School (CT) ""I would strongly recommend it to colleagues and my administration because I feel it would be a resource series that would ultimately improve the way I teach literacy. I haven't felt that way about a PD book since grad school." "-- Katie Lynn Klaus, M.S.Ed
