It's Summer, and that means it's a great time to start gathering new resources for next year.
I often struggle with finding leveled texts that do exactly what I need them to do. Many tools like CommonLit or Newsela are great, but I want my leveled texts to still contain the same information and allow students to still practice on-grade level vocabulary.
So I'm making my own! This Spotlight on STEAM series will combine some of my favorite things: Leaders in STEAM and reading comprehension.
Reading Levels
Reading passages are available in three reading levels. It is always the same information, written at different reading levels. The higher reading levels do typically contain more specific details.
⭐Est 4th-5th grade reading level
🔺Est 6th-7th grade reading level
➕Est 8th-10th grade reading level
The reading level is always on the top right corner of the reading passage, and is marked by a small symbol. This is done on purpose, to help struggling readers keep their reading level choice private.
Reading levels are written in a range because I calculate them using a modified Gunning Fog Index. I start with the actual score, and then adjust it by discounting names and vocabulary words. For more information about the Gunning Fog Index, see this article by Readable.
Who are we Spotlighting?
I am focusing on creating a diverse list of STEAM influencers. That means the Spotlight will land on people from different time periods, cultures, disciplines, and genders. I am always looking for more people to Spotlight, so let me know in the comments if there is someone you would like to see added.
This will be an on-going project! Expect this list to grow!
Current | Coming Soon! |
Ada Lovelace - credited as the first computer programmer | Zora Neale Hurston - Author |
Zitkála-Šá - author, musician, composer, and women’s rights activist from the Sioux Nation in the United States. | Steve Jobs - Apple Technology |
Alexander Graham Bell - inventor of the telephone | Albert Baez - XRay Reflection Microscope |
| Mary van Brittan Brown - Home Security Systems |
Have a suggestion for who should be the focus of the next Spotlight on STEAM? Comment below!
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