Extending Information
Extending information is what we do as we read nonfiction materials, magazines, newspapers, etc., by choice. Most students extend their current information about topics in which they are interested by reading books, magazines, internet sites, talking with others, watching television, listening to the radio, and, of course, "texting." In the content area classroom, you can encourage students to explore many avenues for new information regarding a topic studied in the textbook.
Some interesting ways to help students extend new information, within narrative text, is to write a new ending to a book, a new chapter that might help to explain the storyline, another story with the same characters, etc.
For expository text, students must be taught how to find and then choose the most relevant information, organize that information, and communicate it to others. This is particularly important when assigning a research project for students to complete. Do not assume that students know what you mean when you say "research." Model the use of the I-Chart process and guide students' use of the process within small groups. This is a crucial step in encouraging and supporting students' confidence in independent study and learning.