1. Twin Texts: A Marriage of Genres
Presenters: Elizabeth Sweet, Lisa LoPresti, Stefanie Mullane,
and Jenna Ferrara

2. Why Nonfiction?
3.6 minutes per day is spent on nonfiction text in primary classrooms
50-85% of text on most standardized tests is informational/expository/nonfiction
Approximately 85% of all reading done by adults is informational/expository/nonfiction

3. Twin Texts
Twin texts are two books, a fiction and nonfiction text on the same or related topic Pairing texts provides a complete overview of a subject for students. The fictional component offers a personal, subjective, and affective perspective and the nonfiction offers a more public, objective, and factual perspective. When a teacher uses these two opposing lenses to examine the same topic, they offer a more holistic vision of a topic and provide a wider array of potential hooks and opportunities for student engagement

4. Benefits of Twin Texts
To meet state standards and school curricular goals
Students become excited about what they are learning and retention is increased
Develop students' background knowledge and create more meaningful connections while reading
Improve student reading comprehension
Increase student vocabulary
Improve critical thinking / higher order thinking skills
Enhance student writing
Meet two goals at once: expose students to high quality literature and presents students content area information

5. Twin Text Activities
Three Stations 1. Five minutes at each station 2. Read the activity directions and peruse materials 3. Discuss: Classroom implications Strengths Limitations Expansions

6. Conclusion
Twin texts will build background knowledge, develop text related vocabulary, and increase student motivation . What experiences or comments do you have regarding using twin texts?