Talking Points For Kids is a prototype program that aims to increase discussion amongst students on topics that relate to them. To read about the importance of talking about ideas that matter, take a look at the Frankly Freddy entry: High-Leverage Action #1.
The content for Talking Points for Kids (TP4K) is intended for 4th-6th grade students. The texts were written so that they would support students in increasing their capacity in getting more facile with the meanings and recognition of the core vocabulary. Rather than the usual 6-8% of the words in the text being challenging words (which is the case with trade books at this level), the TP4K have on average 2% of the words beyond the core vocabulary. What that means is that almost all students in grades 4-6 can read texts independently and engage in a spirited discussion about critical content.
Talking Points for Kids texts are on Step 8 (Blue) of TextProject’s Staircase of Automaticity.
Download free printable Talking Points for Kids texts:
Tutoring Guide for Talking Points for Kids!
Teach Your Child to Read & Spell, a tutoring guide for TextProject texts including Talking Points for Kids.