Learning Objectives

• Understand the importance of using digital text, print, and other media in the classroom.
• Identify best practices for using The World Almanac for Kids Elementary in the classroom. 

Best Practices for Digital Reading

Reading on a screen is different from reading print. The INFOhio Early Literacy Task Force collected INFOhio's Best Practices for Digital Reading from journals, education publications, and research studies. Use these best practices to help students of all ages become readers who can comprehend, analyze, and evaluate screen text or book text. As you review the Best Practices for Digital Reading, think about what you already do when using digital text and what you may need to do.

Reading on the Screen and Why it Matters

Read the Teach With INFOhio blog, Reading on the Screen: Why Supporting Digital Natives Matters! about the importance of integrating digital text into instruction and learning to promote critical thinking skills. While the blog post does not directly referenceThe World Almanac for Kids Elementar, consider how the information and instructional strategies discussed can support the integration and use of digital text with students.

Connecting Digital Reading to Future Needs

Reading on a screen requires a few additional supports to help students go deeper and comprehend more. Read the article Strategies to Help Students "Go Deep" When Reading Digitally from Mindshift KQED.

Reflecting on Your Learning

1. What are two things you are currently doing in your classroom or instruction that will make integrating digital text easier? Answer the question in The World Almanac for Kids and Elementary Open Space group Discussions. Find the Integrating Digital Text in Your Classroom reflection question. Reply to the thread and review other participants' responses.
2. How do your students approach digital text? What strategies can you use to promote critical thinking and create annotations while reading?
3. What is one challenge you face in implementing The World Almanac for Kids Elementary as a teaching resource?
4. What steps will you take to overcome challenges to using The World Almanac for Kids Elementary in the classroom?