Procedural

          Procedural text show students the process in which an item is made. It gives students specific step by step details about how to complete the process. Procedural texts teach students to follow instructions in order to complete a specific project. The first criterion I look for when selecting a social studies text is appeal. The cover of the text should grab the attention of students. The layout of the text should be easy for the student to follow to avoid confusion while reading the text. The second criterion I look for when selecting a social studies text is appropriateness. The text should be suitable to the grade level of students you are teaching. The text should also support the learning goals you are covering over the course of the year in the classroom.  The content in the text should also correlate directly to what is being discussed in the classroom.

          When selecting procedural text to be used with in the classroom its important to make sure the text aligns with Iowa Common Core Literacy standards. It is also important to make sure the text aligns with the specific topic that will be covered in class. In my classroom I will use procedural texts for read aloud and shared readings. I plan to have multiple procedural  texts available in my classroom library for students to read on their own time. Procedural text also serve as great examples when introducing students to procedural writing. 

Forman, M. (1997). From wax to crayon. Danbury, Connecticut: Children's Press.

Complex text level

• Second and third grade

Grade level for read-aloud

• Second and third grade

The major themes shown throughout this text are how crayons are made, inspected, wrapped, sorted, and packed. This text shows the process crayons go through before being brought to the store. The illustrations used in the text directly correlate with what the text is discussing. The illustrations show students each stage of crayon making in real life pictures. At the end of the text students can learn new colors. The text introduces new colors along with teaching students the correct pronunciation of the new colors. Students may need assistance with complex vocabulary words used throughout the text. 

Bruno the Carpenter
Klinting, L. (1996). Bruno the carpenter. New York, New York: Henry Holt and Company.

Complex text level

• Kindergarten and first grade

Grade level for read-aloud

• Kindergarten

The major themes discussed throughout this text is carpenters and what kind of tools a carpenter uses. Illustrations used in this text directly correlate with what the text is discussing. The illustrations walk you through the step by step process of building a tool box. At the end of the text there is a blue print for students to build their own tool box. This is a great reference for students to use if they are interested in creating a tool box of their own. Students may need assistance understanding the tools that are used throughout the text. Additionally, students may need help with complex vocabulary words used throughout the text.