Expository “My Research” Cut–and-Fold Booklet

The “Core” of The Core manual contains many hands-on materials for student use. One of my favorites is the Expository “My Research” Cut–and-Fold Booklet (manual pages shown at right). I have used this in many settings and grade levels, including centers and with intervention groups. Instructions are included in the manual.

Sea Turtles by Gail Gibbons is one book that works very well with this activity since it includes all expository text structures. As an added resource, Maryellen recently did a section of a webinar on the topic of sea turtles that you might be interested in viewing. (Click here to view Sea Turtles expository analysis excerpt.)

Depending on skill levels, students may work by themselves, with partners, or in teacher-led discussions to complete the booklet shown below.

As you can see, this one book by Gail Gibbons provides multiple opportunities to talk about expository text structures with students! The children may then work together using the booklet to share what they have learned.