Teaching and Learning in Action
Teachers’ Choices: Are they the Right Books for Science Instruction?
Amy D. Broemmel, Kristin T. Rearden, Carrie Buckner,
Amy D. Broemmel, Kristin T. Rearden, Carrie Buckner,
Abstract
In the 21st century, amidst the widespread adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards, many elementary teachers find it challenging to consistently incorporate science instruction. Although the research literature indicates that using science-based content in the literacy block has the potential to improve student achievement in both areas, the process of identifying high-quality picture books can be challenging. Thus, the authors analyzed the annual Teachers’ Choices lists from 2000-2019, identifying 134 science-based books to determine their potential for integration with literacy instruction. Findings suggest the majority are engaging and provide accurate science content pertaining primarily to life science. Narrative and non-narrative information texts dominate the selections, and science-based biographies appear for the first time. Overall, the analysis indicates that the Teachers’ Choices books can be used as a resource for identifying high-quality, science-based picture books useful for introducing challenging science content in elementary classrooms.
Conflict of Interest
None.
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More to Explore
- Annual Outstanding Science Trade Book List: https://www.cbcbooks.org/readers/reading-lists/best-of-lists/outstanding-science/
- Science Books & Nonfiction Text Teaching Resources: https://www.melissa-stewart.com/
- Multipurpose Poetry --Introducing Science Concepts and Increasing Fluency: http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/multipurpose-poetry-introducing-science-69.html
- David Fitzsimmons and how he creates his photography and books (Curious Critter series): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhbA6jFoSK0
