Dollie had asked if Kimberly Campbell's Less is More - Using Short Text would be appropriate for grades 5 - 6. I do believe it is a good resource for grades 5 - 6. Although some of the texts that Kimberly recommends may not be on a grade 5 - 6 reading level, her scaffolding and teaching strategies definitely run the spectrum of probably grades 4 - 12. Her book has a wealth of lesson ideas. I teach ELL's in grades 1 - 6. I have used several of her techniques with all of my grades! After reading her book, I was inspired to do more scaffolding and really prepare the students for in - depth classroom discussion. She breaks lessons down, so that every child comprehends the text and every child is ready to contribute to either small group or full group discussion. Using short texts allows one to do this. I was missing some steps in my own lessons. For example: I know many of us encourage post it notes to track thinking and then sharing those out. Kimberly might first establish a purpose and then scaffold the process by sharing with a partner, also through the use of her learning logs, quote and question, silent graffiti, carousel graffiti. and fishbowl techniques. I think MANY of the lessons and strategies in the book demonstrate good scaffolding strategies that provide opportunities for all students to enter in at their skill level and progressively grow. One last note.... I know many of use teach the 5 paragraph essay in preparation for the state test. It never donned on me to read essays with my class - DUH! Kimberly provides an entire chapter on reading essay writing. She provides lots of resources. I have been on the hunt for some of her suggested essays and also have been searching some websites for some. She also has inspired me to use graphic novels! That subject will be a whole other post! Anyway..... I do recommend her book down through grades 4 - 6.
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