The document discusses the challenges of using textbooks in the classroom. Textbooks are often difficult for students to read due to superficial content, authoritarian tone, and poor design. The author provides six strategies for using textbooks more effectively: having empathy for students' struggles, front-loading instruction, not leaving students alone with textbooks, being selective in assignments, supplementing textbooks richly, and analyzing textbook features. The document concludes by encouraging teachers to consider the role of textbooks in teaching and how to promote critical thinking through textbook use.

1. D22 The Trouble with TextbooksKatie McKnight, Ph.D.Katherine.McKnight@nl.eduKatie McKnight, Ph.D.Katie@KatherineMcKnight.comwww.KatherineMcKnight.comTwitter: @LiteracyWorldFacebook: Katie McKnight Literacy

2. The Textbook ChallengeOften SuperficialExceedingly Hard to ReadBadly DesignedAuthoritarianInaccurateNot Written for Students

3. Six Ways to Use Textbooks More EffectivelyEmpathy- Do you remember when you had difficulty in a subject and the text was difficult?Help the students to get started. We need to “front-load” our teaching. Don’t leave kids alone with their textbooks.Choose wisely. Be more selective with assignments. Be strategic about what is most important. Supplement richly.

4. Textbook Feature AnalysisIn groups, we will look at the different features of various textbooks.How do textbooks affect our students’ study habits and success?

5. Now What?Consider the role of your textbook in teaching your subject matter.How can you promote critical thinking with textbooks?

6. Strategies for Textbooks: A SampleSticky NotesBookmarksReQuestSupplement RichlyAudio AssistMaking Smaller Book Versions

10. Sketch Through TextDaniels, H. and Zimmerman, S. (2004). Subjects Matter: Every Teachers’ Guide to Content –Area Reading. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, p 121.

11. Stop and Write

12. Resources I LikeSubjects Matter: Every Teacher's Guide to Content-Area Reading, Harvey Daniels and Steven ZemelmanDifferentiating Textbooks: Strategies to Improve Student Comprehension and Motivation, James GrantThe Teacher’s Big Book of Graphic Organizers, Katherine McKnight

13. How to Reach MeEmail Katherine.McKnight@nl.eduFACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Katie-Siewert-McKnight/127542413956216?ref=sgm