More info on labs: designed to help teachers ensure that all of their students get the time to build content knowledge, become immersed in oral language, play and explore, and practice skills and habits of character they need—both to live joyfully and to be fully successful and proficient.

Students are introduced to how to notice about a text with Museum ABC. They begin by gradually exploring select works of art to figure out more about this unique ABC book. Students then learn about whole-body listening, which segues to their first reading of Tomás and the Library Lady, where students engage in the core practice of generating and answering questions. The initial exploration of this text elevates the value of authentic questioning while also preparing students to retell and analyze the story in later lessons.

Understanding Greek Myths, Natalie Hyde

Parthenon

Students open this last module of the year with some detective work to discover what myths are and how they relate to our world today. Students read the myth of Achilles’ Heel and discuss how the phrase Achilles’ heel is used in modern times. Then students read the introduction in the book Understanding Greek Myths to build foundational knowledge about Greek myths and the ancient Greek culture.

Analysis Based on the Criteria:
All six curricula offer opportunities for building background knowledge and enhancing reading comprehension. The depth and breadth of topics, as well as the specific strategies and tools provided, can vary among the curricula.

Conclusions:

In a lesson, students engage with one or more unit texts to build the knowledge and skills they will need for the unit assessments.