Almanac/ Atlas

          Almanacs are made at the beginning of the year. They give you information about what the expected weather is going to be like along with information for farmers. Atlases show the different locations all around the world. These text can be used to give students information about specific location. These text would serve as a great resource in the classroom. The first criterion I look at when selecting an almanac or atlas is organization. The set up needs to be clearly organized in order for students to find what they are looking for. The second criterion I look at when selecting an almanac or atlas is accuracy. Since these text change frequently it is important to make sure the content is accurate. There is also a wide variety of almanacs and atlases it is important to select one that is up to date and accurate. 

          I will incorporate these texts into my classroom when teaching students about geographic locations. I will also have a wide range of these texts in my classroom library. Almanacs and atlas are a great resource for students when they are learning about locations around the world. Exposing children to these texts will give them information about where important locations are. I will use almanacs and atlas's in my classroom as a resource. I will also have a wide variety of these text available in my classroom library for students to refer to on their own time.

Harrison, J., & VanZandt, E. (1996). The young people's atlas of the United States. New York, New York: Grisewood & Dempsey.

Grade level in which text is considered “complex”

• Fourth and fifth grade

Grade level for class read-aloud 

• Third and fourth grade

The major themes discussed throughout this text is the United States. The book talks about each of the states individually. One of the features that I really like is that it breaks down each state. It has a brief description of each state along with facts and images from the state. The pictures used in this text are of monumental locations found in the state. This text would serve as a great resource for students if they needed to research a specific state. I do not foresee that students will need assistance with this text.

Johnson, J. (n.d). Atlas of animals (American ed.).

Grade level in which text is considered “complex”

• Fifth and sixth grade

Grade level for class read-aloud 

• Fourth and fifth grade

This book discusses all the animals found around the world. The chapters discuss animals found in each continent. One of the great features of this text is that I really like is the overview that is found at the beginning of the text. It a topographical map that gives students a great visual of all the different regions found throughout this text. Another great feature of this text is the it highlights important topics discussed with in each chapter. This book would work great as a resource for students to use in the classroom. Students may need assistance with complex vocabulary found throughout the text.