Environmental

          Environmental text discuss the importance of going green and keeping our environment safe. Environmental texts explain the process of recycling. Since, there is such a push for making our environment green this genre gives students tips on how to be environmentally friendly. One of the criteria I look for when selecting an environmental text is purpose. The text needs to have purpose for telling students to be environmentally friendly. The purpose for the text also needs to grab the attention of students. The second criteria I look for when selecting environmental text is text features. The font of the text needs to be different sizes and colors to grab the attention of students. This way students know when they are coming across important concepts they can remember them because they are a different font. The illustrations throughout the text should also be real life and relatable to students. This way students are understanding what the text is talking about. 

          I will incorporate these texts into my classroom when discussing the importance of keeping our environment safe. I will also have a wide range of these texts in my classroom library. Environmental texts can have a major influence on student’s lives. Exposing children to these texts will give them the resources they need to become a good citizen. I will use environmental texts in my classroom for shared reading and read aloud. I will also have a wide variety of these text available in my classroom library for students to refer to on their own time.

Seltzer, M. (1992). Here comes the recycling truck. Morton Grove, Illinois: Albert Whitman & Company.

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 how recycling works and the process recycled products go through in order to be recycled.  The text uses different sizes of fonts depending on what it is describing. This makes the test easier to read and more engaging for students. The text uses real life photographs to show student the process of recycling. This helps students visualize how materials are being recycled. Students may nee pre-teaching of complex vocabulary words. Pre-teaching of complex vocabulary words. Some of the complex words are forklift, hopper, and conveyor belt.  

Nagle, J. (2009). Reducing your carbon footprint at school. New York, New York: The Rosen Publishing Group.

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 are automobiles and how they are harmful towards the environment. The text also discusses atmospheric carbon dioxide and global warming. This text is easy to navigate because it clearly states when its starting a new chapter and it also includes page numbers. This text has multiple text features that are great for students. At the end of the text you can find a glossary, bibliography, and index to help understand the text. The text also has real- life photographs and descriptions under each photograph to help with student understanding. Finally, when the text changes themes it has large green letters explaining what the next section is going to be about. Students may need assistance with complex vocabulary words. Some of the complex words are biodegradable, biodiesel, compressor coils, incinerate, and retrofit. Students may also need assistance with navigating a chapter book.