Voices from the Middle, Vol. 9, No. 4, May 2002

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: Reading Expository Texts

• Expository Text in Literature Circles

  Harvey Daniels

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Literature study has evolved over the last twenty years and veteran educator Harvey Daniels has helped lead the way. In this Voices from the Middle article he explores the structural differences between fiction and nonfiction and shares several key strategies for captivating readers with nonfiction.

  Keywords: Elementary, Middle, Secondary, Assessment, Literacy, Literature, Pedagogy, Professional Development, Reading

• Making Notes, Making Meaning

  Jim Burke, editor

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Introduces notetaking tools used successfully with English-as-a-second-language students and low-achieving high school freshmen. Provides an overview of each tool and explains how students use them to take notes when reading textbooks and articles. Notes these tools and academic habits have helped students succeed in their mainstream academic classes. Full text available in print issue only.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• "I Am Thorgood, King of the Orgies": The Reading Challenge of Content Vocabulary

  Janet Allen

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Discusses how students cite two difficulties that consistently get in the way of their success during content reading: boring texts and too many difficult words. Suggests the use of graphic organizers that help learners break down information they would have overlooked because it seemed too abstract or difficult. Concludes that the best resource for word learning is an interesting text.

  Keywords: Middle, Assessment, Pedagogy, Reading

• Multiple Texts: Multiple Opportunities for Teaching and Learning

  Laura Robb

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Using texts that first meet the reading "levels" of middle school students, then offering increasingly challenging books, teachers can group students at all levels using multiple texts. Strategy logs and conferences are two of the successful tools teachers use to increase comprehension as well as critical reading skills.

  Keywords: Middle, Assessment, Diversity, Literacy, Literature, Pedagogy, Professional Development, Reading

• Expository Text and Middle School Students: Some Lessons Learned

  Chris Street

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Presents the "Structured Reading Lesson" as one simple way to structure reading activities so that the before, during, and after phases of the reading experience are all touched upon. Considers how reading strategies that students have developed to comprehend fictional narratives do not always help them with textbooks. Presents strategies to engage students with expository text.

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary, Assessment, Literacy, Pedagogy, Reading

• Living on the Edge: Confronting Social Injustices

  Marshall A. George

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Argues that educators must take responsibility for putting a stop to the hatred for and disenfranchisement of students who are seen as being different. Suggests doing that by making sure the expository texts are set within the context of themes--those ideas that matter to students. Presents an annotated list of novels and expository texts to help fight social injustice.

  Keywords: Middle, Assessment, Diversity, Literacy, Literature, Pedagogy, Reading

• EDITOR'S MESSAGE: Finding Meaning in Expository Text

  Kylene Beers

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle, Reading

• A HAND UP: In Defense of Bad Language

  Chris Crutcher, editor

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle

• ONE LAST THOUGHT: Different Tools for Different Jobs

  Jeff Wilhelm, editor

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle

• TECH CONNECT: The Wonderful Web of Expository Texts

  Nancy Patterson, editor

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Presents descriptions of 14 websites that are divided into two categories: sites to help teachers learn more about expository text structure and informational sites students might enjoy.

  Keywords: Middle

• PROFESSIONAL BOOK REVIEWS: Expounding on Expository Texts

  Leigh Van Horn, editor

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle

• BOOK TALK: The Long and the Short of It All: Nonfiction Books with Flair

  Teri S. Lesesne, editor

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Presents 13 works of nonfiction (published between 1993 and 2001) with strong appeal to middle level students. Notes that the books range in form from the essay to expository text to memoir and biography and cover everything from politics to slavery, from athletes to art.

  Keywords: Middle

• FROM STUDENT TO STUDENT: Everything Old Is New Again

  Kim Ford, editor

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Encourages the idea of cross-generational shared reading experiences. Presents annotations (written by students) of 12 titles. Notes that almost half of the books that are featured have been around for a while, and yet they are still fresh for new readers.

  Keywords: Middle

• Index for Voices from the Middle, Volume 9 [FREE ACCESS]

  • Show Abstract
  • Hide Abstract

  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle

* Journal articles are provided in PDF format and can be opened using the free Adobe® Reader® program or a comparable viewer. Click here to download and install the most recent version of Adobe Reader.