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Almanac

Almanac


Page Content:

Definition:

Yearly publications containing chronologies of events, phenomena and statistics for the past year(s) as well as compendiums of useful and interesting facts relating to countries of the world, sports, entertainment, etc.

Purposes:

  • To illustrate characteristics of place
  • To provide information in a quick and easily accessible form
  • To show organization of a specific time period
  • To provide information about dates and events related to a specific group or activity
  • To inform the reader about specific topics
  • To provide useful facts

Characteristics:

  • Yearly publication
  • Includes a range of visual text: tables, graphs, charts and diagrams
  • Collection of useful facts of wide interest to the general public
  • Provides information in a quick and easily accessible form; a reference tool
  • Includes records, lists and numerical information
  • Multiple indices

Grade Level Instructional Scope for COMPREHENDING and USING the Genre and Text of Almanacs:

Grade 4

Opportunities to Teach:

Understanding the genre

  • Structures
  • Elements
  • Features
  • Purposes
  • Typeface/ print size
  • Headings and subheadings
  • Keys/legends
  • Layout
  • Table of Contents
  • Multiple Index types
  • Cultural influence
  • Informational categorization: topical, chronological, or alphabetical
  • Column format
  • Tables
  • Graphs
  • Charts
  • Diagrams
  • Typeface and print size features

Understanding and using the text

  • Text structures
  • Vocabulary
  • Current statistical characteristics of place
  • How to find answers related to a specific time period
  • How to locate information about dates and/or events related to a specific group or activity
  • Inquiry into specific content or personal topics
  • How to find useful facts to answer content area specific questions
  • How to find information to support persuasive claims

Booklists:

Access to the Documents:

Complete K-8 Genre Project
From the Michigan Department of Education

Complete K-8 Genre Booklist
From Kent Intermediate School District


Page last modified on February 11, 2009, at 12:25 PM