While teaching 4th grade in a self-contained classroom, I consistently felt like we were giving our students too many texts to grapple with. At any point in time, we juggled some (and sometimes ALL ) of the following texts: : read aloud book, writing Mentor Text, reading comprehension passages, guided reading book, shared reading textbook, and a set of texts to write in response to reading. That’s just for reading. And they ALL serve a specific purpose. 

But using that many texts at one time is bound to create some problems: 

• We had trouble fitting them all in. 

• We felt behind or overwhelmed because we were trying to do too much. 

• Our students felt overwhelmed and confused. 

So is the answer to just get rid of all those texts and just use one? No. But something had to give.  

One big issue that I began to see in our scope and sequence is that we treated the texts that we were using for writing as if we didn’t have to actually read them. As if we didn’t have to read them closely, dissect, analyze, and synthesize to produce a clear and concise essay with a controlling idea, supporting details, and their voce. And, of course, in a way that did not copy the text. You and I both know that’s a lot to ask of a 4th grader (or 3rd grader or 5th grader...or adult.)

 There had to be a better way. So I decided to eliminate or integrate.

Eliminate the texts that we didn’t need to use, didn’t support other content area standards or offer high-engaging content or just weren’t the best quality of texts in the first place. Then, integrate science and social studies into our ELA curriculum. 

With the monthly text sets, each text set can be used for both reading and writing. The topic of each text set is either high-engaging or supports social studies/science standards. Many teachers use these text sets to prepare for state reading and writing tests. However, they are a great way to bring in reading and writing throughout your informational and opinion writing units. Teachers have found other ways to use these text sets in their classroom too!

• Sub Plans

• Reading and Writing Homework for the Week

• Extra Practice to give to Tutors or Parents

• Small Groups for Writing

 Although some text sets are month-specific (i.e. MLK Text Set - January), they do not have to be used during that particular month. They are a monthly resource to be used when it best suits your classroom and curriculum.