Inside Information

by Nell K. Duke

Most teachers understand the importance of teaching children to read and write informational text. But how do they do it effectively? And in a way that is truly engaging? Nell K. Duke has the answer. With this book, she shows teachers how to build skills in reading and writing major informational text types―informative/explanatory, procedural/how-to, persuasive, nonfiction narrative, and biographical―through project-based instruction. Children read and write for real purposes and real audiences on topics that matter to them. In the process, they make a difference in the world. Drawing from the latest research, Duke explains how to design and carry out instruction, providing a blueprint for developing project-based units from start to finish―units that move children through a logical progression of Project Launch, Reading and Research, Writing and Research, Revision and Editing, and Presentation and Celebration. Packed with clear, precise connections to Common Core State Standards, classroom-tested teaching ideas, and the work of practicing teachers and their students, this book will become an essential resource for years to come. For use with Grades K-5.

Genres: Education

208 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2014

Reviews

[Kris Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nell Duke knows her es h eye tee. Though I would likely pee my pants if she came to observe me teach, I would want to bask in her aura of intelligence. This book is fantastic. She gets down to business fast. None of the padded forward, intro, intro to intro, this-is-what-I'm-going-to-tell-you, this-is-what-I-just-told-you nonsense you often encounter in professional texts for educators.

"Some advocates of project-based learning would say that all projects should come from students. I do not agree with this position. I do think it is important for students to 'buy into' the project, but I do not believe every project, or perhaps even most projects, need to come from students. Projects that are planned by teachers in advance have many advantages, including the opportunity for more time to prepare the project and ensure it aligns to standards and other instructional goals."

Thank you, Nell K. Duke, for helping me articulate my distaste for Genius Hour and Passion Projects at the elementary level. Picture me fist-punching the air repeatedly with a giant smile on my face. Right, left, right, left, right, left...

[Laura Giessler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of course I love the idea of children reading and writing for real purposes, as opposed to doing "school reading" and "school writing". It would take some time and practice for me to set up a unit using her template, but it would be great to try it with a group of enthusiastic teachers. She mentions several times that the danger is that the "project" takes over and the content that you are seeking to teach gets lost in the shuffle. Unfortunately, I think that is a serious issue that needs to be addressed and could hold some teachers back from teaching in this very engaging way.

[Janine Darragh · Rating 3 out of 5]

We used this text with k-6 teachers to help them incorporate project based learning aligned with the Common Core Standards. The text is very user-friendly and has some good information and examples. It still is a bit pricey for the size of the book, in my opinion, especially when there are a lot of free materials available on this same topic.