Selina Innes

Green Class

SelinaLynn Innes
Text Set
Many Cultures, One Country
3rd Grade
Green Class

Selina Innes
Green Class

TEXT SET
A text set is a collection of books that have something in common. Adding a text
set means that there will be a set of texts that come from a variety of genres. They may
include fiction books, non-fiction books, songs, poems, web sites and other resources.
The reading levels of the material need to be diverse, usually two grade below and
above the set grade that is being addressed. This way there are books for students who
may not be at the correct reading level, are at the correct reading level, or who are
above their reading grade levels. When picking out books for a text set one must
consider how each book will be used and how each book relates to the set as a whole.
The purpose of bringing text set into the classroom is to provide a supplemental
material for the students to gain more knowledge in a particular subject. Text sets are
also great ways to get students more involved in the material that is being presented.
A text set can affect learning by developing vocabulary skills and other literacy
knowledge. It can also affect learning because a text set provides an assortment of
other resources based on a specific topic. Students will be able to expand and explore
different ways to think about that particular topic. Once a student has explored the topic
by using various resources he or she will be able to communicate with peers and
discuss what it is they have learned and share ideas.
Learning about the diverse group of cultures that are here in America and around
the world will able students to become more interested in the cultures around them.
Many students only know about the celebrations, food, and tongue of their household,

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Green Class

but exposing students to other traditions, food and culture will help build a foundation of
students who respect and understand other peoples beliefs and traditions.

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Green Class

Title: A Childs Introduction to Greek Mythology: The Stories of the Gods, Goddesses,
Heroes, Monsters and Other Mythical Creatures
Author: Alexander, Heather
Reading Level: 5
Genre: Fables / Folk Tales and Myths
Justification: S.S. TEKS:3.13:A identify the heroic deeds of national heroes; 3.13:B retell
the stories of characters found in folktales and legends; 3.13:C retell the heroic deeds of
characters of Greek and Roman myths
Summary: A Childs Introduction to Greek Mythology is separated into two main parts.
The first part introduces the different gods and goddesses. The second part is dedicated
to the myths themselves. This book includes word definitions, fun facts and also
games/projects. I chose this for the text set because of the introduction to Greek
mythology in lesson 2 of the textbook. This book is a great resource for students to
learn about each individual in particular and how they play into the bigger story of Greek
mythology.
Title: George Washingtons Teeth
Author: Chandra, Deborah
Reading Level: 3.3
Genre: Autobiography and Biography / Poetry and Rhymes

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Justification: S.S. TEKS:3.13A identify the heroic deeds of national heroes; 3.17:A
express ideas orally based on knowledge and experiences
Summary: This is a story about how George Washington lost on average one tooth a
year starting when he was twenty-four. By the time he was elected president George
only had two teeth left. This tale is based on information gathered by letters diaries and
other historical records regarding George. I picked this book because of the lack of
information about George Washington located in the textbook. It is a great way to bring
in the topic of Washington in the classroom in a fun way.
Title: The Fourth of July Story
Author: Dalgliesh, Alice
Reading Level: 3.5
Genre: General Nonfiction
Justification: S.S. TEKS:3.12:A explain the significance of selected cultural celebrations;
Summary: This is a story about the thirteen colonies wanting independence. They select
Thomas Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence and carry the news of
independence to the colonies. This is a great story for students to read to get an insight
what the Fourth of July was like before BBQs, fireworks, and parades. I picked this
book to be a part of the text set to go along with the lesson about special Holidays that
we notice in America. This is a great lesson for students to learn what exactly happened
in 1776.

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Green Class

Title: Africa Is Not A Country

Author: Knight, Margy Burns
Reading Level: 2
Genre: Historical Fiction / Informational
Justification: S.S. TEKS:3.5:A locate places on maps and globes; 3.14:A identify
examples of cultural heritage from communities around the world;
Summary: Africa Is Not A Country goes into depth about the fifty plus nations that Africa
has within itself. I chose this book because I know too many people that still think Africa
is a country. It is important to talk to students about different things other than America.
Reading a book like this in grade school will help them remember and take notice on the
diversity that Africa has within itself.
Title: Davy Crockett: A Life on the Frontier
Author: Krensky, Stephen
Reading Level: 2
Genre: Informational Biography
Justification: S.S. TEKS:3.13:A identify the heroic deeds of state and national heroes
such as Davy Crockett;
Summary: This book gives the true life story of Davy Crockett. It talks about his life as a
soldier and also a leader. At the end of the story there is also a timeline of important
events that happened to Davy Crockett. I chose this book because lesson 3 in the text

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highlights Davy Crockett but in a short synopses. What is covered in the textbook about
Davy Crockett is not enough for children to fully grasp all that he did during his lifetime.
Title: Coming to America: The Story of Immigration
Author: Maestro, Betsy
Reading Level: 4.8
Genre: Non-fiction
Justification: S.S. TEKS: 3.12:B compare cultural celebrations; 3.16:C interpret visual
and print material by identifying the main idea
Summary: Coming to America: The Story of Immigration takes a look into the past about
how Americans are related to immigrants or are immigrants themselves. Maestro
discusses the waves of immigrants that came through New York, and also talks about
slave trade. I have included this book in the text set because it is important for students
to understand not why only why people came to America but also how. This book does
exactly that, it shows students how America became so diverse and also the struggles
that families went through to become citizens in America.
Title: Who Was Harriet Tubman?
Author: McDonough, Yona Zeldis
Reading Level: 3.1
Genre: Informational Biography

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Justification: S.S. TEKS: 3.10:B identify historic figures such as Harriet Tubman who
have exemplified good citizenship; 3.13:A identify the heroic deeds of national heroes;
Summary: Who Was Harriet Tubman? Is a story about the famous Harriet Tubman who
aided slaves through the Underground Railroad. This book brings up topics like when
Harriet was born, life as a slave, and also the Underground Railroad. I chose this book
for my text set because in the text lesson 2 highlights some important people in
Americas history. Though these short passages do not do justice for these brave
individuals.
Title: George Washingtons Birthday: A Mostly True Tale
Author: McNamara, Margaret
Reading Level: 2
Genre: Historical Fiction
Justification: S.S. TEKS:3.13A identify the heroic deeds of national heroes; 3.17:A
express ideas orally based on knowledge and experiences
Summary: This is a story about George Washington on his 7th birthday. It is a fictional
book that dispels many of the myths about George Washington. I picked this book
because in lesson 2 of the text the students learn about George Washington. Again like
many of the other important people mentioned in the textbook there is only a short
paragraph written about the first President of the United States. Many students however
may have heard a lot of stories about George Washington, all of which may not be true.

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This is a good way to show students that some of the stories they heard about him may
not be all true.
Title: The Spider Weaver: A Legend of Kente Cloth
Author: Musgrove, Margaret
Reading Level: 3.5
Genre: Fables / Folk Tales and Myths
Justification: S.S. TEKS:3.14:A identify other examples of cultural heritage from
communities around the world;
Summary: Two weavers discover a magical-looking, beautiful spider web in the jungle.
Inspired by the webs brilliant design and the weaver who created it, the men return to
their village and create complex patterns of their own, which they come to call Kents, a
cloth that is now known throughout the world. I chose this book because in the textbook
chapter 11 lesson 3 gives information to students about Ghana, an African state. It also
talks about the kente which is made in Ghana.
Title: If I Only Had a Horn: Young Louis Armstrong
Author: Orgill, Roxane
Reading Level: 3.7
Genre: African American / Music

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Green Class

Justification: S.S. TEKS:3.1:B identify individuals who have helped shape communities;
3.10:A identify the characteristics of good citizenship; 3.14:A identify selected individual
artists and other examples of cultural heritage from communities around the world;
Summary: This is a story about a young Louis Armstrong and his life growing up as a
poor boy in New Orleans. The book talks about how Louis longed for his own horn and
what he did to afford his first horn. I picked this book for the text set to bring in more
information about the New Orleans culture using music.
Title: At Ellis Island: A History in Many Voices
Author: Peacock, Louise
Reading Level: 5
Genre: American History / Immigration and Assimilation Experiences
Justification: S.S. TEKS: 3.12:B compare cultural celebrations; 3.16:C interpret visual
and print material by identifying the main idea
Summary: At Ellis Island: A History in Many Voices is a collection of letters, poems and
statements of individuals who came to America through Ellis Island. I included this book
in my text set because this is something that students could relate to. Seeing the letters
from the children to their parents that they had to leave behind, it will make the students
think. What if I had to leave my parents and go to a foreign land by myself?
Title: Chicks and Salsa
Author: Reynolds, Aaron

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Reading Level: 4.4

Genre: Cooking / Cooperation and Teamwork / Hispanic and Latin American / Friends
and Friendship
Justification: S.S. TEKS:3.12A explain the significance of selected ethnic and/or cultural
celebrations such as Cinco de Mayo
Summary: This is a story about farm animals that work together to make their own chips
and salsa. They come into a few problems with their production once the farmer finds
out about their chips and salsa. I chose this book to be a part of Chapter 11, lesson 1
topic of Cinco de Mayo. It is a cute story using farm animals to grab the students
attention, but the class could also make their own salsa based off of this story.
Title: Aunt Harriets Underground Railroad in the Sky
Author: Ringgold, Faith
Reading Level: 4.7
Genre: Historical Fiction
Justification: S.S. TEKS: 3.10:B identify historic figures such as Harriet Tubman who
have exemplified good citizenship; 3.13:A identify the heroic deeds of national heroes;
.Summary: This story is about a little girl named Cassie who along with her brother Be
Be fly into the night sky. During their flight they come across a train full of people, but
before Cassie can climb abroad with Be Be the train leaves. With Harriet Tubman as her
guide, Cassie retraces the steps of escaping slaves that took the Underground Railroad.
I chose this book because it is told by a young girl who is learning about the

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Underground Railroad just as the students are. It is a great way to get information to
students about the events that took place during that time.
Title: On Mardi Gras Day
Author: Shaik, Fatima
Reading Level: 3.2
Genre: African American
Justification: S.S. TEKS:3.12:A explain the significance of selected ethnic and/or cultural
celebrations in the United States;
Summary: On Mardi Gras Day is a book about a little girl and her brother who live in
New Orleans. The reader follows their adventures as they celebrate Mardi Gras! The
reader learns different ways to celebrate and also how it is celebrated in New Orleans
through childrens eyes. I chose this book for the text set to go with the chapter in the
text book that depicts the culture in New Orleans. This is a great story for children to
understand what Mardi Gras is and how it is celebrated.
Title: Snake Hair: The Story of Medusa
Author: Spinner, Stephanie
Reading Level: 3.9
Genre: Fable / Folk Tales and Myths

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Green Class

Justification: S.S. TEKS:3.13:A identify the heroic deeds of national heroes; 3.13:B retell
the stories of characters found in folktales and legends; 3.13:C retell the heroic deeds of
characters of Greek and Roman myths
Summary: Snake Hair: The Story of Medusa is about the Greek mythology Medusa and
how she came to have snakes on her head. I included this book in my text set because
in the text lesson 2 brings up Greek mythology. However, when the text discusses
Greek mythology there is only a short paragraph. Exposing students to Greek
mythology is important so that way they understand many stories that they might have
already heard of (i.e. Hercules, Clash of the Titans).
Title: American Tall Tales
Author: Stoutenberg, Adrien
Reading Level: 5
Genre: Fables / Folk Tales and Myths / Short Stories
Justification: S.S. TEKS:3.13:B retell the heroic deeds of characters from American
folktales
Summary: This book has a collection of stories based off of the tall tales that include:
Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill, Stormalong, Mike Fink, Davy Crockett, Johny Appleseed, John
Henry, and Joe Magarac. I picked this book because in the textbook they give a quick
synapses of one American tall tale. Tall tales are important in American culture and it is
important for students to hear about these stories at least one time in their lifes.

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Green Class

Title: Makin Groceries: A New Orleans Tribute

Author: St. Pierre, Todd-Michael
Reading Level: 4
Genre: Cooking
Justification: ]S.S TEKS:3.1:A describe how events and ideas have changed
communities over time;
Summary: Makin Groceries: A New Orleans Tribute is a story about a little boy, Nicky,
who is helping his Maw-Maw at her Cajun & Creole Caf. The book takes students
around the French Market, River-Road produce and Schwegmanns Giant Supermarket.
I included this book in the text set because in the textbook chapter 11 lesson 2 is based
on the culture in New Orleans. Their music, food, and celebrations. This is a great book
to show children how different Cajun and Creole food is different from what they may
eat here in Texas.
Title: Diego Rivera: His World and Ours
Author: Tonatiuh, Duncan
Reading Level: 5.3
Genre: Biography
Justification: S.S. TEKS:3.14:A identify selected individual writers and artists and other
examples of cultural heritage from communities around the world; 3.14:B explain the
significance of selected individual writers and artists;

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Green Class

Summary: This is story about the famous artist Diego Rivera. It starts off during his
childhood and shows where his passion began for painting. During this reading the
author also prompts the readers to think about what Diego would pant today. Just as
Diegos murals depicted great historical events in Mexican culture or celebrated native
peoples, if Diego were painting today, what would his artwork depict? I picked this book
because in lesson 3 of the textbook there is a highlight of the famous painter Diego
Rivera. I feel like that many people do not know about him and his works so it is
important to focus not only on white artists, but also artists of different backgrounds in
the classroom as well.
Title: Cinco de Mayo
Author: Wade, Mary Dodson
Reading Level: 1.8
Genre: Series
Justification: S.S. TEKS:3.12A explain the significance of selected ethnic and/or cultural
celebrations such as Cinco de Mayo
Summary: Students are able to learn about the story behind Cinco de Mayo and how
the Mexicans celebrate this day of victory in this simple informational book. This book
also features ways to celebrate: detailing ideas of how to mark the holiday, how the
holiday is celebrated in other parts of the world, words to know section, and an index. I
chose this book to go along with the section in the textbook about Cinco de Mayo. It is

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Green Class

important for children to understand various holidays and why people celebrate them.
Also how they can celebrate these holidays as well.
Title: Juneteenth Jamboree
Author: Weatherford, Carole Boston
Reading Level: 4.2
Genre: Social Studies / Character and Values / Geography and Map Skills / African
American
Justification: S.S. TEKS: 3.12:A explain the significance of cultural celebrations in Texas
and the United States; 3.12:B compare ethnic celebrations in Texas and the United
States;
Summary: This story is about a young girl named Cassie. She just moved into a new
neighborhood that her parents grew up in. It is her first time celebrating Juneteenth. The
reader gets to experience the holiday from a childs point of view. I chose this book
because in chapter 11 of the textbook there is a section about various holidays that are
celebrated in America. Juneteenth is one of these Holidays. Growing up I do not
remember ever talking about Juneteenth as a recognized Holiday and did not hear
about it until my later years in high school. It is important for students to be educated on
things such as Holidays even if they do not celebrate that particular Holiday.

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Green Class

Websites:
Title: Culture for Kids
Author: Explore & More Childrens Museum
URL: http://www.exploreandmore.org/pages/Contact-Us.aspx
Reading Level: The reading level for this website is third grade.
Justification: S.S. TEKS:3.5:A locate places on maps; 3.12:A explain the significance of
cultural celebrations; 3.16:C interpret visual material by comparing and contrasting
Summary: This website also includes a student or teacher feature. When you click on
the student option they are given a map of the world and are able to click on various
parts of the Earth. If a student clicked on Mexico then they are able to learn about the
flag history, short fun facts, learning the language, and also printable color sheets. I
chose this website because it truly is kid friendly. The makers of this website included
sounds and a lot of colors to ensure student stay engaged but also learning the content.
The reading level for this website is third grade.
Title: StoryNory
Author: Hugh Fraser and Matthew Lynn
URL: http://www.storynory.com/
Reading Level: The reading level for StoryNory begins at a first grade level but goes up
to fifth grade level.

Selina Innes
Green Class

Justification: S.S. TEKS:3.13:A identify the heroic deeds of national heroes; 3.13:B retell
the stories of characters found in folktales and legends; 3.13:C retell the heroic deeds of
characters of Greek and Roman myths
Summary: This website is filled with many different stories that are all made not just for
reading but to listen as well. The stories are all narrated by Natasha and the website
has different categories: original stories, fairytales, classic audio books, educational
stories, myths and world stories, junior stories, poems and music. I first looked at this
website with the intention of students learning more about Greek mythology. StoryNory
has an abundance of Greek mythology stories for students to listen to either on their
own or in a classroom setting. There are many stories, poems, and audio books located
on the website so it is hard to pinpoint a single reading level. I chose this this website
because it is user friendly and it is free to use. Children can access whatever story they
are looking for, or something that we are discussing in class and follow along while
someone else is reading to them.
Title: Macmillan/McGraw-Hill: Social Studies
Author: McGraw-Hill Companies
URL: http://www.macmillanmh.com/socialstudies/2009/student/TXpickbook.html
Reading Level: This websites reading level is third grade.
Justification: Textbook site, all S.S. TEKS covered For example:
S.S. TEKS:3.2:B compare ways people in the local community meet their needs; 3.5:A
locate places on maps; 3.12:A explain the significance of cultural celebrations

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Green Class

Summary: This website has many different textbooks used in Texas schools. Each book
has different games and quizzes for each chapter so that the students can quiz
themselves online. The website also has a feature parent/student or teacher feature.
Though the website does not have the textbook I am using for this course, however I
am sure that with further investigation that one can find the topic they are teaching on
here from a different textbook. I chose this website because students can follow along
online what they are learning from the textbook. It has plenty of interactive activities so
students can gain more information on their own from a student friendly website.
Title: Immigration: Stories of Yesterday and Today
Author: Scholastic
URL: http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/immigration/
Reading Level: The reading level for this website varies as well, most of the website is
interactive and has someone speaking instead of a child reading. I would say that the
reading level starts at a second grade level
Justification: S.S. TEKS: 3.12:B compare cultural celebrations; 3.16:C interpret visual
and print material by identifying the main idea
Summary: This website includes an interactive tour, field trip and data about Ellis Island.
During the Virtual Tour you follow Mr. Michelle through Ellis Island as he talks about
various steps that immigrants had to take to come to America. Exploring Ellis Island is
more of an independent reading for students, they are able to look at the pathway an
immigrant would take and also pictures of their journeys. The data of Ellis Island shows
various percentages of people that came from Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South

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Green Class

America. Students also have the chance to read small biographies of young people that
came to America not so long ago. I chose this website because it is user friendly and
goes into great detail about Ellis Island but also gives the students access to learn
about children who are immigrants today. They are able to see the differences between
when Ellis Island was in use to today.
Title: The Underground Railroad: Escape From Slavery
Author: Scholastic
URL: http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/bhistory/underground_railroad/
Reading Level: The reading level for this website is a fourth grade level.
Justification: S.S. TEKS: 3.10:B identify historic figures such as Harriet Tubman who
have exemplified good citizenship; 3.13:A identify the heroic deeds of national heroes;
Summary: This website is an interactive map for students to take to learn about the
Underground Railroad. During this activity students start at point A which is the
plantation and make their way to point D which is reaching freedom. The front page of
this website also gives students a chance to look at slideshows of important themes in
American history using images and also more online activities. I chose this website
because students can engage themselves in the Underground Railroad. The website
gives so much information for students, and at the end also a reflective piece for them
to fill out.