Alphabet Books: The K-12 Educators' Power Tool

by Bonnie Mackey, Hedy Schiller Watson

Overview

Covering more than 300 alphabet books with topic, content area, grade level, text structure, and instructional value indexing, this extensive resource guide includes bibliographic information and brief summaries of each selection as well as a chapter devoted to the unique uses of alphabet books within ELL classrooms.

Alphabet books are perfect for establishing introductory lessons and serve as a starting point for project ideas. Alphabet Books: The K–12 Educators' Power Tool is ideal for school and public librarians as well as teachers who need to meet specific learning standards. The indexing by topic, grade level, and content area helps in finding just the right book for the aligned instructional objective.

Some 300-plus alphabet books are additionally categorized according to the complexity of the text structure. Featured books for three grade level categories (Pre K–2, 3–6, and 7–12) are accompanied by instructional strategies to use with these books. Images of the finished student projects for every described strategy are included to clarify the instructional values. A chapter that focuses on the use of alphabet books in the English language learners' classroom offers strategies for the specific needs of this student group.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440841620
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	10/24/2016
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.38(d)

About the Author

Bonnie Mackey is a retired associate professor of literacy, language, and library science who previously taught at the University of Houston-Clear Lake.

Hedy Schiller Watson, MBA, formerly taught English as a Second Language (ESL) in Arlington, VA.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: History of the English Alphabet
What Is an Alphabet?
Alphabet Beginnings in 2000 BC
Alphabet Additions
The English Alphabet Today
The Future of the English Alphabet
? Books for Students
Librarians' Link
? Notable Web Sites
Works Cited
Chapter 2: History of Alphabet Books
Hornbooks
Battledores
Primers
The New England Primer
Connections from Past to Present
Abecedarius
Two Jourbaneys of "A Apple Pie" Abecedariuses
The Shaker Abecedarius
Acrobatic Alphabets
ABC Books of Today
Librarians' Link
? Notable Web Sites
Works Cited
Chapter 3: Teaching with Alphabet Books
Instructional Value of Alphabet Books
Alphabet Books and Younger Students
Alphabet Books and Older Students
Alphabet Books as Mentor Texts
Language Arts
Alliteration
Alphabetic Principle
Descriptive Writing
Grammar
Phonemic Awareness
Rhyme and Rhythm
Vocabulary
Vocabulary and Younger Students
Vocabulary and Older Students
Specialized Languages in Alphabet Books
Mathematics
Geometry and Measurement
Number and Operations
Science
Chemical Science
Earth Science
Life Science
Physical Science
Social Studies
Culture
Geography
History
Fine Arts
Graphic Design
Observations and Perceptions
Librarians' Link
? Notable Web Sites
Works Cited
Chapter 4: Three Categories of Text Structures in Alphabet Books
What Is Text Structure?
Single Letter
Single Letter Expanded
Highlighted Book with "Single Letter" Text Structure for Pre-K–Second Grade
Instructional Activity with "Single Letter" Text Structure for Pre-K–Second Grade
Highlighted Book with "Single Letter" Text Structure for Grades 3–6
Instructional Activity with "Single Letter" Text Structure for Grades 3–6
Highlighted Book with "Single Letter" Text Structure for Grades 7–12
Instructional Activity with "Single Letter" Text Structure for Grades 7–12
Hidden Letters
Highlighted Book with "Hidden Letters" Text Structure for Pre-K–Second Grade
Instructional Activity with "Hidden Letters" Text Structure for Pre-K–Second Grade
Highlighted Book with "Hidden Letters" Text Structure for Grades 3–6
Instructional Activity with "Hidden Letters" Text Structure for Grades 3–6
Highlighted Book with "Hidden Letters" Text Structure for Grades 7–12
Instructional Activity with "Hidden Letters" Text Structure for Grades 7–12
Conceptual Text
Highlighted Book with "Conceptual Text" Text Structure for Pre-K–Second Grade
Instructional Activity with "Conceptual Text" Text Structure for Pre-K–Second Grade
Highlighted Book with "Conceptual Text" Text Structure for Grades 3–6
Instructional Activity with "Conceptual Text" Text Structure for Grades 3–6
Highlighted Book with "Conceptual Text" Text Structure for Grades 7–12
Instructional Activity with "Conceptual Text" Text Structure for Grades 7–12
Librarians' Link
Pre-K–Second Grade
? Notable Web Sites
Grades 3–12
? Notable Web Sites
All Grade Levels
? Notable Web Sites
Works Cited
Chapter 5: Alphabet Books and Their Annotated Bibliographies
List of Alphabet Books, Arranged by Topic
Animals
Arts
Careers
Children
Classic Characters
Fantasy
Health and Activity
History
Holidays
Mathematics
Mixed-Up Alphabet
Multicultural
Nature
Objects
Poetry/Short Story
Science
Transportation
Urban
Chapter 6: Alphabet Books and English Language Learners (ELLs)
English Language Learners
Instructional Support for ELLs
Cultural Identity and Alphabet Books
Vocabulary and Alphabet Books
Bilingual Vocabulary Frames
Cognates and Alphabet Books
True Cognate Alphabet Book
Dual Language Alphabet Books
Dual Language Alphabet Book
English Language Proficiency Standards
Level 1: Beginning (Starting)
Level 2: High Beginning (Emerging)
Level 3: Intermediate (Developing)
Level 4: High Intermediate (Expanding)
Level 5: Advanced (Bridging)
Alphabet Books for ELLs and Summaries
Librarians' Link
? Notable Web Sites
Works Cited
Chapter 7: Zigzagging to the End
Index

Editorial Reviews

Mackey and Watson prove that the academic possibilities of alphabet books are endless, with opportunities in language arts, math, science, social studies, and the fine arts. . . . VERDICT After reading this enlightening addition, educators will gain an appreciation for alphabet books and the creative ways they can be employed to enrich subjects across the curriculum.” —School Library Jourbanal

From the Publisher

03/01/2017
Mackey and Watson prove that the academic possibilities of alphabet books are endless, with opportunities in language arts, math, science, social studies, and the fine arts. Though picture books are typically associated with young children and phonemic awareness or reading readiness, the authors provide examples of titles that may be used in the classroom to enhance learning in various subject areas. Annotations of more than 300 alphabet books across many disciplines feature summaries, grade levels, and descriptions of academic content and instructional value. A chapter of historical background covers the origins of the English alphabet and early alphabet books, such as the popular rhyming abecedaries. "Teaching with Alphabet Books" presents many examples of the utility of these materials for all grade levels and subjects. An informative section on textual structure contains valuable instructional activities for the classroom. A chapter devoted to alphabet books in Spanish and English, with a short list of dual-language offerings, also addresses the importance of acknowledging the traditions and values of English-language learners. These annotations include levels of proficiency from beginning to advanced students, but specific grade levels are not mentioned. Several activities described are accompanied by black-and-white pictures. Though there is an index, it does not include the annotated resources. VERDICT After reading this enlightening addition, educators will gain an appreciation for alphabet books and the creative ways they can be employed to enrich subjects across the curriculum.—Jackie Gropman, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, VA

School Library Journal