English Texts to Be Used in Classroom Learning

Using the correct textbook can help your students achieve more in their English studies.

English is a subject also known as Language Arts, Grammar or Language. All students at all age levels study English at school, and texts are often helpful. There are hundreds of texts that can be used in English classrooms, so the best way to choose one is to evaluate the criteria of your school, the needs of your students and the value of the individual book as it relates to your particular situation.

Consider District Regulations

You may not have a choice about the texts that you use in your English classroom because the district or school you work for may use a particular text. However, if you are able to, you can discuss the text with whoever is in charge and see if you can make changes to it. Before you do this, evaluate the required text to see if it is indeed worthy, and if not, consider asking for an appointment or writing the school board for permission to use a different or newer text. If you aren't able to make changes to the requirements, you'll be stuck with the one that the district or school has deemed best for your purpose.

Age-appropriate Texts and What's in Them

When choosing or considering English texts for your classroom, think about the ages of your students. Early educational text books for English encourage reading, so they have many pictures and easy words. Middle elementary school English texts have stories, poems and essays written at the grade level, as well as some pictures to help with understanding. For middle school students, English texts should have all of those things, and you should also include other types of English writing, such as plays, essays or letters. High school English texts should also include famous works.

Recently Reviewed and Edited Texts

The best English texts are those that have been recently reviewed and edited for content. Check the first page of your text book to make sure there is a recent date for the latest edition. If there is a newer edition of your book, be sure that you upgrade or contact the district about using the newer editions. New editions of books are recently reviewed as well, so there is less of a chance of inappropriate material.

Texts with Support Materials

Choose texts that have support materials. Support materials include comprehension questions or activities within the texts, and workbooks or videos that support the texts themselves. You should not base all of your English instruction on these support materials, but texts that have them will be more appropriate because you know there is more information out there for your students to understand and study.

References

• InformaWorld: Texts in Classrooms