Skills Cards for Strategic Reading Support

Word Attack Strategies
The 11 most essential word attack strategies are presented in simple language along with explanatory symbols, in the order in which most children learn to use them. This card is a must for all students reading at K-3 grade levels. When a student comes to a word he doesn't know, he uses this card first to remind himself of good strategies to try.

State Assessment Rubric
This two-sided Skills Card presents the four-point rubric commonly used to score students’ written responses on high-stakes tests of reading, (e.g. NAEP). The four levels are described clearly on the front. The reverse side describes different ways for students to develop and demonstrate competence at each of the four levels. Consistent use of this Skills Card will help more students achieve proficient and advanced test scores.

Comprehension Strategies/SQ3R
The Comprehension Strategies side of this Skills Card lists 14 essential strategies good readers use to ensure and repair comprehension. Armed with this card, students have at their fingertips a ready reminder of ways to become a better reader. Students who learn to use these strategies in their independent reading are likely to become successful readers and learners. High-stakes tests may consist of up to 70% nonfiction. The SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review) side of this card is especially useful with non fiction texts. This tried and true comprehension strategy is presented in graphic form with directions and room for students to write appropriate notes for each step.

Story Map/Literature Vocabulary Card
The front of this Skills Card lists and succinctly describes several examples for each of three main categories of literary elements: Figurative Language (e.g. personification, simile, etc.), Sound Techniques (e.g. rhyme, alliteration, etc.) and Story Elements (e.g. plot, main character, etc.) Understanding of the terms included on this card is commonly assessed on high-stakes tests. The Story Map side of this card presents the common elements of narrative text (main characters, setting, conflict, etc.) in graphic form with space for students to record responses in writing.

Active Reading/Question the Author
The Active Reading Skills Card provides an easily accessible, graphic presentation of Roger Farr’s elegant and powerful technique for creating students who effectively monitor their own reading. An Active Reader is a thoughtful, successful reader. This card is a must for all students reading at any level from second through 12th grade. The Question the Author Skills Card builds upon the work of Isabelle Beck to help students dialogue with the author in ways that deepen comprehension and contribute to better writing.

Graphic Organizer
Eleven clearly-labeled diagrams show 11 great ways of classifying, comparing, and categorizing information. Students need to be able to organize and present information in a variety of ways to help them learn and to demonstrate their learning to others. This card has nearly all they need.

World Geography
Students literally hold the world in their hands with the World Geography Skills Card. One side presents a small world map with all the essential geography terms every student needs: the names of the continents, oceans, directions, etc. The reverse side has a larger, blank world map that students use to quiz each other, helping them attain mastery of basic geography.

note: Item is only available to schools who have participated in 100 Book Challenge Professional Development.

Reading Folders

Students use these durable two-pocket folders to carry their log sheets, Skills Cards, and books to and from school—and any other reading location. The outside color marks how much they have read (from start-up to 600 Steps/150 hours.) The inside has spaces for the student’s name and room number, as well as places to list his or her favorite authors and books. You may purchase folders by Classroom Set or individually.

note: Item is only available to schools who have participated in 100 Book Challenge Professional Development.

Canvas Book Bags

Students can use these durable book bags to transport all their 100 Book Challenge materials to and from school. With the 100 Book Challenge logo emblazoned on the front, this bag announces to all that a student is participating in 100 Book Challenge. Your local businesses may enjoy seeing their name on these bags and our reading folders as a thank you for supporting your 100 Book Challenge project.

Incentives

Extrinsic rewards are effective for some students, in particular for those who are below grade level and have not yet experienced much success or social support for reading. We offer prize kits, medals, and dog tags at the elementary and middle school levels to help you reward readers who reach milestones.

On Target Badges

Broadcast expectations to students, teachers, and parents every day by wearing the reading volume target number on a lanyard every day. Each badge is a black pouch that hangs around your neck. Each badge is shrink-wrapped and comes with:
• Exchangeable number inserts in multiples of 11.
• On-target calendar
• Directions on a separate card

Coloring Tape

Sticker your own books! Have the stickers worn off ? Have you bought new books? Use these stickers to color-code your books. Color Leveling Tape is available for levels Y-Gl.

Book Baskets

Need more baskets? Replacement baskets? Baskets for each color level are available.

Peel and Stick Basket Labels

Basket labels are available for all color levels. These adhesive labels stick directly to the basket. For use with newer-model baskets.