Mini-Lesson Compendium EDIT 6340
Jim Brown
Print Resources:
Autobiography: A biography written by the subject, autobiographies are written accounts of the subject’s life.
Big Books: A book format characterized by large text, pictures and an easy to follow story line, big books are appropriate for group reading and beginner-level readers.
Biography: A written record of a person’s life, biographical works are written about and not by the subject.
Concept Books: A category of books that convey knowledge and answer the question, “What’s that?” Concept books cover a wide range of topics-the alphabet, numbers, colors, shapes, and opposites to name a few.
Easy Non-fiction Books: An expressive form of literature, non-fiction is a genre based on an author’s interpretation of observed, perceived or recollected experiences.
Hi/Lo Books: A Hi/Lo book is a short novel, 10 to 12 manuscript pages, with the printed book 24 to 60 pages in length. Illustrated heavily, using photographs rather than drawings, Hi/Lo Books are mainly a school resource.
Non-fiction: Also called informational literature, non-fiction transmits factual information about the world to readers.
Newspapers: Serial publication which contains news on current events of special or general interest. Newspapers are issued daily or weekly
Periodicals: A publication produced at regular, fixed intervals, periodicals include magazines, journals and newsletters.
Picture Books: Picture books provide children with a visual experience. A picture book is defined as being a collective unity of story-line, theme, or concept, developed through the series of pictures of which the book is comprised.
Young Adult Fiction (YAF): Novels adapted for readers between the ages of 13 and 18:
includes many genera’s and formats.
Note: Some items listed may overlap due to multiple formats
Technology Based Resources:
E-Books: An e-book is a book available in an electronic format, and can contain all genres of literature except materials related to children’s pop-up books.
Easy Non-fiction Books: An expressive form of literature, non-fiction is a genre based on an author’s interpretation of observed, perceived or recollected experiences.
Games: A simplified version of a real life situation providing students with an opportunity to participate in a variety of roles and events. Players must operate within a structured set of rules covering the sequence and structure of the actions. Games reinforce teach and review curriculum.
Instructional Computer Programs: An element of instructional technology which has made it possible to enhance the curriculum. Programs include general categories of Paint programs, timelines, graphic organizers, graphing programs, word processing, databases, video editing, spreadsheets, encyclopedias, presentation programs and many other possibilities.
Multicultural Children’s Literature: Multicultural materials help students learn about people whose backgrounds are different from their own. Multicultural materials support the needs of individuals as well as the curriculum.
Non-fiction: Also called informational literature, non-fiction transmits factual information about the world to readers.
Newspapers: Serial publication which contains news on current events of special or general interest. Newspapers are issued daily or weekly.
Periodicals: A publication produced at regular, fixed intervals, periodicals include magazines, journals and newsletters.
Power Point Games in the Classroom: An interactive, web-based educational tool, Power Point Games in the Classroom offers students the challenge of a learning tool based on popular television game shows.
Recorded Books: Abridged and unabridged readings of authentic literature recorded on cassettes or compact discs.
Note: Some items listed may overlap due to multiple formats.
Non-Print Resources:
Globes: A three dimensional representation of the earth mounted to show the spherical shape of the earth, globes generally show political boundaries as well as the earthsphysical features. An important feature of most globes is the analemma which shows the Suns position overhead between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn on any day of the year.
Kits: Kits are teaching and learning tools of a non-abstract nature. Students can see and touch the “concepts and ideas” being taught. Kits contain a variety of formats in one package. The materials may be pre-selected to present information in a fixed sequence for use by one person; they may be designed -for user self-evaluation.
Math Manipulatives: Math manipulatives are visual representations of dynamic objects that present opportunities for constructing mathematical knowledge.
Science Equipment: Tools which can give students hands on experience in the science lab, science equipment includes a variety of materials such as balances, glassware, classroom kits, microscopes, magnets, pH meters, fume hoods, furniture, books, charts, live specimens, preserved specimens, models, aquariums, plants, thermometers, posters, charts and kits.
Display Materials:
Maps: Important learning tools for a variety of subjects, including geography, history, literature, and the sciences, maps which come in a variety of formats, represent the earth’s surface and often political boundaries.
Posters: A simple medium capable of conveying powerful, thought provoking messages, posters attract attention, and develop interest in almost any topic.
Miscellany:
ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages): An acronym for materials and curriculum to assist non English speaking students. Other acronyms are EEL (English Language Learners), EFL (English as a foreign Language), and ESL (English as a Second Language).