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Language Arts: Reading Non-Fiction

Summary: Students read and view information from various nonfiction selections within and related to the site.

Minnesota Academic Standards Information

Subject Area Focus: Language Arts/Reading

Educational Level: Teachers may adapt the activity for the various grade levels. Intermediate, Middle, High

High (9-12) Level

The student will understand the meaning of informational, expository, or persuasive texts, using a variety of strategies and will demonstrate literal, interpretive, inferential and evaluative comprehension.

For the complete standard, see the Minnesota Academic Standards web site at http://education.state.mn.us/mde/Academic_Excellence/Academic_Standards/index.html

Middle (6-8) Level

The student will understand the meaning of informational, expository or persuasive texts, using a variety of strategies and will demonstrate literal, interpretive, inferential and evaluative comprehension.

For the complete standard, see the Minnesota Academic Standards web site at http://education.state.mn.us/mde/Academic_Excellence/Academic_Standards/index.html

Intermediate (4-5) Level

For the complete standard, see the Minnesota Academic Standards web site at http://education.state.mn.us/mde/Academic_Excellence/Academic_Standards/index.html

The student will understand the meaning of texts using a variety of strategies and will demonstrate literal, interpretive, inferential and evaluative comprehension.

LEARNING ACTIVITY

Directions

Objectives:

  1. Read and view a variety of nonfiction materials related to the project.
  2. Practice literal comprehension skills.
  3. Practice interpretation and evaluation skills.

Preparation: Preview materials to ensure that the reading level is appropriate for your students and modify or pre-teach as necessary.

Time Required: Varied

Description

There are many opportunities for students to practice and apply reading skills within the Minnesota-China Connection project. Integrate these reading experiences within your regular reading instruction and assessment practices as much as possible. Have students read and summarize information from various nonfiction reading selections and identify questions for further research and study.

Explore More Articles: These articles are written to introduce students to a variety of topics related to China, trade missions, and Minnesota.

Students’ Weblog Entries. Seven high school students will travel with the Governor and the trade mission delegation. The daily reports that they send back to the weblog section of the site should be of high interest to students here in Minnesota. Also included will be photos and videos produced by the student ambassadors.

Print Resources. Consult with your media specialist or local librarian for print resources available. Also see the bibliography which provides suggestions for books about China. The Electronic Library of Minnesota (ELM) should be available through your school library media center and can provide sources of on-line full-text articles on China.

Newspapers (St. Paul Pioneer Press, Minneapolis Star Tribune). During the period before, during and after the Governor’s trade mission to China, there will undoubtedly be many articles about China, the trade mission and Minnesota’s connections with China. These stories may address topics and issues beyond the scope of the Minnesota-China Connection web site.

Radio and Television. Use a variety of radio and television stories to support student work.

Evidence of Learning: The following product(s) supply evidence of student learning.

  • Classroom discussions on events in China, either associated with the current trade mission, or other aspects of Chinese government, culture, history, and society.

Special Notes

Technology Integration:

Incorporate technology tools and resources in ways that enhance and support teaching and learning.

Accommodations

Change the activity to accommodate students with different needs, knowledge and skills.