Encyclopedias
Genre Definition
An encyclopedia is a book or a set of books giving factual information about a topic. They are typically arranged alphabetically. They provide a lot of information on a lot of different topics, but that information is usually only at the surface level. They don't dig deep very often. They are similar to your textbooks.
Classroom Use
Reading Activity: Have students use task cards (like the ones shown below) to learn how to navigate an encyclopedia. The cards below are for the month of January and could be done at the beginning of each month to learn facts about that month.
Writing Actvity: Have students become "experts" on a topic and write an encyclopedia entry over it. Put the whole class' papers together and create a class encyclopedia. Make copies for each student to take home and show their parents.
Selection Process
Encyclopedias are important to have in you classroom for research and discovery of new information. When selecting encyclopedias for classroom, pick ones that are visually appealing to students and are grade level appropriate. It is importatnt to look for useful text features (labels, headings, table of contents). Check to see how easy it is to find information quickly within the reference book.
Texts that I Recommend
Summary: This book is a picture reference encyclopedia about space for kids. It discusses science concepts like space, stars, planets, and astronauts. It is a fun and engaging read, as well as, an easy way to retrieve an abundancy of information.
Text Features: There is an introduction page that explains how to use the book. It doesn't contain real photographs, which would have been more authentic. However, the illustrations are very detailed and support comprehension of the text. It also contains helpful headings and labels. There is “Factfile” sections at the bottom of pages that provide useful information about space.
APA citation: Becklake, S. (2000). Space. Chicago, IL.: World Book in association with Two-Can.
Grade Level: 4-7
Support: This book may be hard to navigate for students. It's not a storybook. It's a reference book. It may be necessary to teach students how to use an encyclopedia.
Summary: This book is a fun, kid-friendly encyclopedia all about sea creatures. Lear about giant whales, fierce sharks, little seahorses, and many other creatures that live in the sea.
Text Features: The illustrations and large, easy-to-read font makes this encyclopedia very kid friendly. It includes helpful headings and labeling. There are also fact boxes that provide more information about each animal. At the back of the book, you can find engaging quizzes and puzzles.
APA citation: Wilkes, A., & Webster, B. (1998). Under the sea. Chicago, IL: World Book in association with Two-Can Pub.
Grade Level: Pre-K - 3
Support: This book is marketed towards lower elementary. Students at this level may not be able to fluently read yet, so this book would be a great read aloud. It's engaging and appeals to student interests. It may be necessary to provide students with some background knowledge about the ocean, especially if you live somewhere far from a coast.
