Connect Literacy & Learning

Pre Reading - Author's Craft - Using the Scavenger Hunt:
Project CRISS Manual state's that "Strong research supports this idea that knowledge of expository and narrative text structures plays and important role in comprehension (Goldman & Rakestraw, 2000). When students know how authors structure their writing, they can more readily understand and remember what they read. Good readers and writers know how text structure aids comprehension. Good readers know about poetic forms, as well as the structure of a work problem in mathematics. Student's need to learn ways to get "inside an author's head" to determine an author's style of presentation. They can use this knowledge as a basis for a variety of studying and writing strategies (page10).

The student's first step to understanding Author's Craft is understanding the organization of their textbooks. The following are links to several Scavenger Hunts that may be useful and/or adaptable for teachers to use especially at the beginning of the semester.

Samples from the Web	AT's Own!
Algebra 1 Social Studies Text (ASCD Link)	Biology Text - Mr. Jackson Geometry Text - Ms. Stachwilen

Overview: Scavenger Hunt is an introductory group activity requiring library work and class time to prepare and present group finds.

Steps:

1. Divide class into teams and assign material to be researched.**

2. Each team selects a captain (or teacher appoints).

3. Decide on specific procedures depending on desired outcomes, skill level, and time allotted for entire Hunt process.

4. Teacher assigns, has students choose, or has captain assign broad or specific concepts or topics to research.

5. Review possible sources of information; encourage students to use items such as photos, maps, artifacts, and written descriptions.

6. Each person gathers as much information as possible in the prescribed time given.

7. On designated day, the teams share what they have found on the hunt.

**Material to be researched might include broad concepts, details, persons, events, or geographical information.

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