ABSTRACT
To promote books of all genres the people incorporate a gradual-release-of-responsibility framework through read-alouds, shared readings, reading conferences, and independent reading. The goal is to expose the kids to a variety of writing structures, new vocabulary, how punctuation is used, and how books are organized. With large pieces of construction paper the people make non-fiction feature posters. The vocabulary the kids need to access the texts has to be explicitly introduced and taught. Using their schema and making connections is natural for first and second graders. The kids love reading and sharing so much that they want to share their favorite books, the books they write, and their research. A room full of books, magazines, and comic books sends the message that reading is valued. Even if they are in a classroom that is not the “native language” classroom, they still have access to books in different languages.
