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Create Your Own Research Packs
Each pack requires one high-quality informational text per child, supplemented by free or low cost sources. Student facing materials and a uniform structure across grades support teachers and students in constructing a viable model for approaching tasks that integrate reading, writing and research. Each research pack contains lessons that follow the gradual release of responsibility by including a full class task (approximately 3 weeks), a peer supported group task (2 weeks) and for grades 3–-5, an independent research task (approximately 2 weeks). Teachers can choose to use one, two, or all three of the components.
Each research pack:
- Centers on a single topic (i.e., keeping Earth healthy, biodiversity, living in groups) and relies heavily on books and articles.
- Includes graphic organizers and writing scaffolds to support students in acquiring, organizing, and using their new vocabulary and knowledge
- Is designed to be completed as a class, then in small groups, and eventually independently.
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Highlighted Aspects of the Shifts
All of the lessons presented on achievethecore.org are designed to highlight one or more aspects of the ELA/literacy Shifts. The Research Pack lessons particularly emphasize:
Complexity: Regular practice with complex text and its academic language
Knowledge: Building knowledge through content-rich nonfictionLearn more about the ELA/literacy Shifts.
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ELA / Literacy Lessons > Research Packs: Reading and Writing Lessons
Research Packs: Reading and Writing Lessons
A Research Pack is a set of easy-to-use materials that guides students and teachers through the process of focused research and writing to inform or explain. The K–5 Research Packs were developed collaboratively by educators under the guidance of the Vermont Writing Collaborative. These lessons emphasize key aspects of college- and career-ready standards,, including building knowledge from reading grade-level informational text and using evidence from text in writing.
Each pack is designed to substantially address a content standard and build a focused knowledge base and solidly addresses CCSS Writing Standards 2, 7 and 8.