Text Complexity Analysis of Slavery in the United States by Rebecca Rissman

Text Type: Non-Fiction/ Chapter Book

TextRecommended
Description Complexity Band Level
I would
Slavery in the United States is a text for students to read and listen to. Students will recommend this beginning
learn about slavery book for in
fourth or times,
colonial fifth grade
throughstudents.
the American R

Quantitative Measure
Quantitative Measure of the Text: Range: Associated Band Level:
770L Current Band: 640L-850L Stretch 4-5
Band: 740L-1010L
Qua
Text Structure:
Organization of this chapter book has connections between ideas and events and organization is evident, and chronological. The text feat

Language Features:
The conventionality, I would say is moderately complex because it is mostly explicit with some occasions for more complex meaning. The v

Meaning/Purpose:
The purpose of this text is implied, but is easily identified based on title or context. The purpose is directly and explicitly stated at the beginning of the book.

Knowledge Demands:
Throughout this text, there are places for the students to explore other sources and become more familiar with what is being taught in the chapter. The Und
 Text Complexity Analysis of Slavery in the United States by Rebecca Rissman
Text Type: Non-Fiction/ Chapter Book

Considerations for Reader and Task

Possible Major Instructional Areas of Focus (include 3-4 Below are factors to consider with respect to the reader and task:
CCS Standards) for this Text:
Potential Challenges this Text Poses:
1. High level vocabulary (discipline)
RI.4.1 Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the 2. Length of the story
text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. 3. Need to have background knowledge on the vocabulary
used in this text
RI.4.2 Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported
by key details; summarize the text.

RI.4.3 Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical,

scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on
specific information in the text.
RI.4.4 Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific
words or phrases in a text relevant to a grade 4 topic or subject area.
W.4.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or text, supporting a point of view
with reasons and information.
W.4.8 Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant
information from print and digital sources; take notes and categorize
information, and provide a list of sources.
Differentiation/Supports for Students:
1. Reading sections of the text aloud while students have the
text in front of them. (this text is online at EPIC, but I will
have copies of the text for them)
2. Small group discussion of the text
3. Explicit teaching of content specific vocabulary
4. Asking text-dependent questions during the reading.
5. Partner or small group activities that require students to
think deeply about the text
6. Use of graphic organizers for key information
7. Highlighting unknown terms and looking more deeply into
the vocabulary

Standard 5.0 History

TOPIC A. INDIVIDUALS AND SOCIETIES CHANGE OVER TIME

INDICATOR

4. Analyze how the institution of slavery impacted individuals and

groups in Maryland

OBJECTIVES:

a) Compare the lives of slave families and free blacks

b)
Created by _Charissa Wolk, ___________________________________________ (name, state, email, date) Reviewed by
____________________________________________(name, state, e-mail, date)