Anchor Texts are books that the entire class reads together, with more teacher support, guidance, and explicit instruction. These tend to be more canonical or challenging books (like Romeo and Juliet, The Crucible, or The Kite Runner). In some cases, Academic classes may read adapted versions of these texts or only read selections from these texts, while Honors classes will read the full, original texts. Short text discussed under supplemental texts can also be considered an anchor text, as it is a common experience for the whole class, and it anchors the conversation and instruction.

Book Club Or Literature Circle Texts are books that students choose from a specific collection that the teacher selects thematically related to the anchor text and the essential question. Students are placed in small groups in which they discuss and analyze their books, with support from teachers. They apply skills that have been taught with anchor texts.

Independent Reading Texts are books that students choose from a larger set of texts which also speak to the unit’s essential questions in some way. Because students are expected to be able to read these independently, these texts may vary significantly in reading level based on students’ reading levels. Independent reading is an opportunity for students to transfer and apply the skills taught with anchor texts and book clubs independently.

Short Texts: All units will include a multi-genre set of texts that either present additional perspectives on the essential question and/or help students to master key skills and concepts in the unit. Short texts may include short stories, essays, articles, poems, videos, songs, or other modes of communication. They may be used to introduce, review, or reinforce specific reading or literary analysis skills. Our adopted online platform StudySync provides between 10-12 short texts for consideration.