Compiling Rigorous Thematic Text Sets

Jaclyn DeForgeJaclyn DeForge, our Resident Literacy Expert, began her career teaching first and second grade in the South Bronx, and went on to become a literacy coach and earn her Masters of Science in Teaching. In her column she offers teaching and literacy tips for educators.

One aspect of the Common Core that I get asked questions about all the time is thematic text sets.  What are they?  How do you know which books to use?  What types of texts should you be pairing together?

Fear not!  I’ve compiled some examples of text sets that cover one topic and span multiple genres and reading levels and over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing these sets with you.  Some of the titles you may already have in your classroom library, and others I think you’ll enjoy discovering.

A-Full-Moon-Is-Rising

Theme/topic:  The Moon

Grade: 2nd

Informational Text:  The Moon Book by Gail Gibbons (Shared Reading)

  • provides scientific information about the moon
  • can be used to address informational text standards

Nonfiction Poetry:  A Full Moon is Rising by Marilyn Singer  (Read Aloud)

  • provides scientific information about the moon
  • provides information regarding moon-related festivals, traditions, holidays, and celebrations
  • can be used to address informational text and literature standards

Realistic Fiction: Owl Moon by Jane Yolen  (Guided Reading)

  • the moon plays a central role in the setting of the story
  • can be used to address literature standards

Realistic Fiction:  Surprise Moon by Caroline Hatton (Independent Reading)

  • discusses celebrations and festivals related to the moon 
  • can be used to address literature standards
from A Full Moon is Rising
from A Full Moon is Rising

What books would you put on this list?  Add your favorites in the comments!

4 thoughts on “Compiling Rigorous Thematic Text Sets”

  1. I’d like to submit my book MOONTELLERS:Myths of the Moon from around the World for inclusion in your list.

    I would hope that my book would encourage students to LOOK at the moon. WONDER about what they see. Wash themselves in moonlight, and create a picture and story of their own.

    Most of all delight in knowing that what they see is shared by every human on our planet.

    Our gazing invites us to the Mystery and the Arts and Sciences deepen the Mystery.

    Ain’t nobody don’t like moon gazing!!!

    Lynn

    Lynn Moroney

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