1. Help children to recognize the differences between textbook and fiction or magazine reading.

• Point out that textbooks do not provide stories that make reading easier.
• Note that textbook illustrations -- if present -- are not usually next to the corresponding text and rarely help readers in understanding the text.
• Help children understand that textbooks are geared towards presenting information, not encouraging reading.

2. Teach children pre-reading skills for use with informational texts.

• Help children learn to develop a study plan, which sets forth how much they intend to read within a given time.
• Show children how to survey the text by looking at headings, highlighted words, graphs, tables, and figures.
• Encourage children to think about what they already know about the topic prior to reading.

3. Equip students with strategies that will help them to read textbooks more efficiently.

• Help students concentrate on textual features.
• Encourage students to skim sections and then go back and reread carefully.
• Encourage students to stop reading every few minutes and ask themselves questions about what the author has written, such as, "What is the main idea?"

4. Combine reading to learn activities with learning to read skills--don't separate the two!

• Children can begin learning to read for information in kindergarten.
• Teach reading skills in all grades and content area subjects.
• Equalize attention given to both goals in every grade.

5. Infuse reading across the content areas into the primary (K-3) curricula.

• Help children make personal connections with what they read.
• Model and teach children how to apply strategies such as predicting, questioning, retelling, and self-monitoring.
• Discuss the setting, characters, plot, and new information learned with children.

6. Infuse reading skills instruction into content area reading assignments.

• Build students' vocabulary.
• Introduce students to the structure of different literary genres.
• Teach students how to decode multi-syllabic words.

7. Teach reading across the content areas in a functional way.

• Make use of everyday activities.
• Provide ready access to reference materials.
• Relate reading activities to children's life experiences.

8. Expand the definition of what is a textbook is beyond the traditional concept.

• Nonfiction tradebooks can be used as informational texts.
• Include works of fiction to teach content.
• Use poetry to teach information.

9. Carefully select appropriate trade books to use in teaching content.

• Make sure that books are accurate as well as entertaining.
• Scan books for incomplete information, value judgments, or outdated facts.
• Match trade books to course objectives.

10. Read books aloud to students of all ages to teach content area information.

• Use read alouds to introduce a new topic.
• Motivate students with read aloud books.
• Use read alouds to promote personal and social growth.