A Brief History of Informational Series

Essential Elements in Information Books

The Importance of Using Information Books in the Primary Grades?

Examples and Comparisons of Primary Information Series Books

Planets

Animals

Pioneer Studies

Conclusion

Examples and Comparisons of Primary Information Series

Pioneer Studies

The third grade students at Greeley School participate in an extensive study of pioneers. As a result, teachers are always looking for good resources to help the students understand what life was like during those times. I have chosen three books that illustrate changes in this type of information book.

Early Schools by Bobbie Kalman was first published in 1947 by the Crabtree Publishing Company. It is part of the Early Settler Life series. This is an interesting book to take a look at because it was somewhat ahead of its time and it is still being published today in paperback. Many interesting pictures grace the pages and enhance understanding. The subject matter in the book covers early settler life from the first log cabins to life in towns and cities. The descriptions of life during this time whether they be hardship or joy are well represented both through text and the photographs, engravings and lithographs included in the book. When reading this book and looking at the photographs one feels a bit intimidated by the times. All visuals are done in black and white and the overall feeling is somewhat grim. Interestingly, this book has a table of contents, glossary and index that is quite useful. While the pictures are quite interesting and graphic, the amount of text per page could be daunting to young children. This book is recommended for children aged eight and nine. It would be a challenge to find children of this age that would be interested in this book. The large headings draw the eye to what is available on the page but the smaller text is not appealing to many young children and the vocabulary would be challenging. While a glossary is available, it is in small print and somewhat difficult to tackle. The book is full of interesting information from this time period. Using it as a read-aloud during a unit could be and interesting experience for children

Life on a Pioneer Homestead by Sally Senzal Isaacs is a good example of the format used in information books published recently. Heineman Library published it in 2001 and it is part of the Picture of the Past Series. This publishing company has produced a number of new series in recent years for young children using a similar format. Life during Pioneer times is well depicted in this book and presented in an organized manner. Everyday life is well represented as the reader comes to know the responsibilities of children and adults. Each double page spread is a chapter in which will be found two pictures that are either historical or modern photographs or paintings done in color or black and white. The text is limited but succinct with possible new vocabulary in bold letters and a glossary at the end of the book. Captions for pictures are found in each chapter as well as an interesting fact placed in a corner of the page. This engaging book is very appropriate for children in grades two or three to read independently and gather information about this time period. A recipe is present at the end of the book as well as an index and suggested readings.

The Our America Series published in 2003 includes a number of books about life in the United States from1607 to1945. Growing Up in Pioneer America 1800-1890 by Judith Pinkerton Josephson and published by Lerner Publications Company is a well written book depicting life during this time from children's or their family members' points of view. While there is much more text on the pages than in the Picture of the Past Series, it is quite appropriate for third grade readers and higher. The format of this book is somewhat different than the other series. Chapters are lengthy but broken into many sections with bold titles. Personal stories are related along with facts of the time. Diary entries are present in every chapter written by children personalizing the experience as well as sidebars in which unusual events or facts such as the "Trail of Tears" and "The Right Way to Hunt" are explained or recalled. The reader comes to understand what life was like crossing the Western plains, farming on the prairie and so forth. Many sepia photographs, engravings and colorful reproductions add to the charm of this book. They appear in many different sizes and are not the predominant element on the page. The information presented in this book is well organized and accessible to children. There is an extensive bibliography, index and an activities page which enhance the value of the book. I decided to include this series as one that could be read to children. Sharing this informational book with young children will give them a well-rounded perspective of life during these times.