Text Complexity Analysis of Where Do Polar Bears Live by Sarah Thomson
Text Type: Non-Fiction
Text Description
Recommended Complexity Band Level
Where Do Polar Bears Live. This book not only supplies information about Polar
Bears, but also incorporates relevant, real-world facts about the dangers facing
Polar Bears such as climate change and a warming Artic. The illustrations are both
informative, but also humorous and appealing to a young audience. With
advanced vocab, the illustrations really work well together.
K-5
Quantitative Measure
Quantitative Measure of the Text:
690 Lexile Level
Range:
2-3
Associated Band Level:
K (As a Read Aloud)
Qualitative Measures
Text Structure: Moderately Complex. –Being an informational book, there is not a table of contents or sub headings to easily help readers navigate through the book.
Information on Polar Bears does not always follow a sequential order. New information is presented without headings or prepping the reader.
Language Features: Moderately Complex- Most of the text is straightforward. Some more complex ideas, such as the Polar Ice melting is discussed. However, the concepts
are presented with visuals and clear language.
Meaning/Purpose: Slightly Complex. The pictures imply meaning and are largely straightforward. The illustrations match the text.
Knowledge Demands: Very Complex. Moderate levels of discipline-specific content knowledge; some theoretical knowledge may enhance understanding; range of
recognizable ideas and challenging abstract concepts.
Sentence Structure: Moderately Complex—Simple and compound sentence, with some more complex constructions.
Text Complexity Analysis of Where Do Polar Bears Live by Sarah Thomson
Text Type: Non-Fiction
Considerations for Reader and Task
Possible Major Instructional Areas of Focus (include 3-4 CCS Standards) for this
Text:
RI.K.1---With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details
in a text.
Below are factors to consider with respect to the reader and task:
Potential Challenges this Text Poses:
Vocabulary—“scrambles,” “snuggled,” “ruffle,” “tumbles,” “tundra”
The sentence structure is not as direct.
Background Information-Artic Circle and Warming Temperatures globally.
RI.K.2---With prompting and support, identify the main topic and retell key details
of a text.
RI.K.8---With prompting and support, identify the reasons an author gives to
support points in a text.
Differentiation/Supports for Students:
Audio/video book reading.
SL.K.5—Add drawings or other visual displays to descriptions as desired to provide
extra detail.
L.K.6—Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being
read to, and responding to texts.
Puppet characters that are introduced as the story moves along.
Labels to help the students match with pictures.
Vocabulary list for each chapter. Pre-teach some vocabulary words before each
chapter and have students come up with definitions, as well as look them up.
Interactive Response Journal to record thoughts and questions during reading.
Graphic Organizers to help summarize the findings.
Polar habitat sketches for pre and post observations and to help students see the
habitat.
Created by Shane Miller- Frostburg University____________________________________________
mail, date)
Reviewed by ____________________________________________(name, state, e-