what’s next for the newly independent reader
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WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE NEWLY INDEPENDENT NEWLY INDEPENDENT
READER?READER?
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE NEWLY INDEPENDENT NEWLY INDEPENDENT
READER?READER?Easy Readers and Easy Readers and Transitional BooksTransitional Books
Easy Readers• Definition: larger typeface, fewer
words on each page, controlled vocabulary
• History: relatively new to children’s publishing – John Hersey – Life magazine article
Dr. Seuss and The Cat in the Hat
• Published in 1957 in response to Hersey’s article
• Houghton Mifflin’s list of 237 easy to read words
• First Example of engaging creative text with controlled vocabulary and exciting illustrations in a unified work
Little Bearby
Elise Minarik• 1957 – Harper and Row came out
with “I Can Read Series” • Short, easy to read chapters,
designed like a chapter book instead of a picture book
• Set the standard for transitional literature
Frog and Toadby Arnold Lobel
• 1970 series started• Distinguished writing and
exemplary art• Singled out for both Caldecott and
Newbery Awards
Components of “Easy Components of “Easy Readers”Readers”
Components of “Easy Components of “Easy Readers”Readers”
1. Content
• Vocabulary• Sentence Length• Plot• Illustrations
Vocabulary• Sight words• 1st / 2nd grade level• Short words, easy to decode• Longer compound words with
illustrations to support understanding
• Natural language of child
Sentence Length• Short declarative sentences• 5 words or less for earliest, 10
words for more confident• Alternating sentence length• Longer sentences if broken into
smaller parts
Plot• 2-3 main characters• Fast moving, clear direct action• Not much description• 4-6 chapters, action on each page• Action verbs move plot• Characters are developed through
interaction• Surprises mix with predictability
Illustrations• Pictures on each page• Varying sizes from page to page• Context clues
2. Design• Typeface = 18 pts• Words / line = 2-10• New line for new sentence• Word space wide and clear• Line space = to type size• Lines per page = < 16• White space substantial for resting eyes• Illustration placement= every double-page
spread for eye rest and picture clues (complement not compete)
LEVELS• Three levels based upon difficulty
– Level One - First Grade• “I Can Read”
– Level Two – Second Grade• “I Can Read”
– Level Three – Third Grade +• “I Am Reading”
Examples of Level One Books
Examples of Level Two Books
Examples of Level Three Books
TRANSITIONAL BOOKS• “Stepping Stone” series• Short developmental stage• Gain reading confidence • Choose books based upon interest
and genres
Characteristics• Larger typeface• Lines per page < 15• Words per sentence = 8-12• Plenty of white space• Fewer illustrations• Longer chapters• Justified margins• Resemble chapter books
Examples of Transitional Books
Theodor Geisel Award• The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award
is given annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished American books for beginning readers published in English in the United States during the preceding year.
• Books that demonstrate creativity and imagination to engage children in reading, receive a bronze medal. Honor Book authors and illustrators receive certificates,
• The award was established in 2004 and first presented in 2006.
2009 Geisel Award Winners
2009 Medal winner 2009 Honor Books