University of Indianapolis Preservice Teachers

 University of Indianapolis

     “What can I get for you this evening, sir? A pork roast?  A good choice.  Here’s one that weighs 7 5/6 pounds. OK? Yes, I’ll cut off the pork chops.  They weigh 2 1/6 pounds, so you now have a nice-sized roast weighing _____ pounds.  Thank you, sir.  Have a good weekend.”

      As the Indianapolis site for Middle Level Supplementary Reading Materials, U of I preservice teachers are among the first to “savor” the benefits of this resource.  The above excerpt from Math Stories is just one example of the types of materials available for preview.  Like Math Stories, many of the materials support reading in the content area.   The book, Science, provides short articles related to biology, physics, chemistry, and earth science instruction.  Comprehension of the texts is enhanced through black and white photographs and, in some cases, humorous drawings.  Concept specific terms are conveniently explained at the bottom of each page.

     Other materials include the Scholastic ACTION Book Collections, which provides high interest texts for Middle Level readers whose reading levels range from grades 1.5 through 6.0.  The sets are divided into four areas: Classics Literature, Science Fiction and Fantasy, World Cultures and Geography, and Explorations (science). Titles in the science collection include light-hearted selections such as That’s Science? Bad Hair Days and Other Experiments, which use the scientific method to explore the effects of a bad hair day or the cause of belly-button lint! Cause and effect is illustrated in the timely book, Flood, which explains the reason for serious floods and the incredible damage they cause.  Multiple texts are available; texts are accompanied by teachers’ guides that feature before, during, and after reading activities.  These texts, also, include grade and Lexile levels, making the task of matching books to students easier. 

     Finally, social studies educators will enjoy the book, Across the U.S.  After a short overview of the major regions in the United States, each state is featured in a one-page article.  Readers will not be surprised the Indianapolis 500 is the feature story for Indiana.  Following the article are vocabulary and comprehension activities as well as suggestions for discussions and writing. 

     The Middle Level Supplementary Reading materials are housed on the third floor of Krannert Memorial Library on the University of Indianapolis campus.  While we are still in the initial stages of material collection, educators are welcome to preview the materials during library hours.  Directions to campus, including maps, can be found on the web at <www.uindy.edu>. Library hours are posted on the web.  The easiest way to access hours is to type “library” into the search box; click on Krannert Memorial Library.  The heading, “hours/calendar” is on the left side of the page.  The University of Indianapolis general operator can be reached at 317-788-3368.