- English Language Arts and Reading
- Grade 4
- Multiple genres
recognize characteristics and structures of informational text, including:
organizational patterns such as compare and contrast;
1. Macarthur, C. A. (2010). Instruction in a strategy for compare--contrast writing. Exceptional Children, 76(4), 438+. Retrieved from https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A230685031/PROF?u=tea&sid=PROF&xid=67322fa2
Summary: This study focused on the use of compare and contrast as a way to improve the writing skills of six struggling student writers, ages 11–14. Students used the writing strategy as an organizational method and made gains in self-efficacy, text structure elements, and overall quality.
2. Dreher, M. J., & Gray, J. L. (2009). Compare, contrast, comprehend: using compare-contrast text structures with ELLs in K–3 classrooms: understanding text structures can benefit young learners, especially English-language learners. The Reading Teacher, 63(2), 132+. Retrieved from https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A210594953/PROF?u=tea&sid=PROF&xid=a938585a
Summary: Beginning with an analysis of their students' inability to compare and contrast spiders with bugs after reading about them, the authors identify areas of concern, and then discuss how to address those in the classroom. The article is especially focused upon how to teach EL students compare and contrast in the primary grades, using is to support comprehension, extend background knowledge, and expand vocabulary. Practical strategies can be employed across multiple grade levels.