Explain how information from multiple representations of a topic contribute to understanding of the topic (Inclusive Big Idea #7)

Reading Literature

Grade 4: English Language Arts

Inclusive Big Idea #7: Explain how information from multiple representations of a topic contribute to understanding of the topic

Standard: Make connections between the text of a story or drama and a visual or oral presentation of the text, identifying where each version reflects specific descriptions and directions in the text. RL.4.7

• Anchor Text: Use anchor texts such as the book, The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, and the corresponding film, Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2020). After reading a section of the book, watch the corresponding clip and discuss differences and similarities between the versions. Learn more about accessing grade-level text in this TIP Sheet.
• Venn Diagram Study: To create a deeper understanding of the difference between how a story is presented in text versus pictures, use a Venn diagram to compare what is presented through the story and what we learn through the performance. Learn more about graphic organizers in this TIP Sheet.
• Grand Conversations: To delve deeper into the relationship between an illustration and the words in the story, conduct a grand conversation with a small group or whole class. Questions might include:
  • What do you see in this illustration?
  • Look at the illustration of the character. What does it show? Let’s listen to the words. How does the author describe the character?
  • What does this illustration show us about the setting?
  • By looking at the illustration, how do you think the character is feeling?
• Think Aloud: As you read texts aloud, model your comparisons of the illustrations of the text with the words from the story. Talk aloud about what you see in each illustration and how each illustration gives you additional insight into the characters in the story. Talk about how in picture books, the author or illustrator will sometimes use illustrations, rather than words, to show problems/solutions, settings, and characters.

For example, one possible barrier is if information is presented so students cannot see or hear the information.

Ideas to reduce this barrier could include:

• offer digital formats so the size of text, contrast, or other visual content can be adjusted.
• offer alternatives to text such as objects, partial objects, tactual representations
• use text alternatives such as captions or automated speech-to-text or text-to-speech
• software
• follow accessibility standards (NIMAS, DAISY, etc.) when creating digital text

Use these Inclusive Strategies to help reduce barriers.

• What are "Story Elements"?
  • Story elements are, essentially, the parts of a story. These elements develop the actions or events in the story in a logical way to enable readers to easily follow the text.
  • Students can compare the presentations of a story through different media, such as illustration or words.
• What are Some Essential Elements
  • characters- the individuals in the story
  • setting- the location and time period where the story takes place
  • plot- what happens in the story and should a clear beginning, middle, and end
  • conflict- the problem in the story; the plot in a story should be centered on the conflict
  • resolution- the solution to the problem or conflict
• How Can I Incorporate Multimedia Storytelling?
  • Readers can gather information about a story through multiple forms of media.
    • Text: The words in a story describe characters, settings, and events.
    • Illustrations: Represent story elements through drawings, pictures, or other forms of artistic representations.
    • Audio: Uses sound effects, music, or lyrics to help convey information about the story.
    • Dramatic Performance: A play of film representing the events of the story, characters are represented by actors and costumes, settings must be recreated by scenery.

Common Student Misconceptions

• Story Elements: Students often miss aspects of story elements when summarizing a text. In addition, some texts are considered “inconsiderate” texts and do not provide enough to allow students to fully understand all story elements and must fill in the gaps with prior experiences and personal preferences, leading to problems with comprehension.
• Characteristics of Different Media: Stories can present the same information in different ways from other media. While stories use words to describe aspects of characters, settings, or events, these elements can be represented visually through other media.

Links Across Content Areas

• Social Studies: Students can use illustrations, including maps and graphs, to describe the text
• Science/Math: Students can use illustrations, including charts, graphs, and diagrams, to better understand the text.

Everyday Connections

• At the Theater: Students can watch a movie after reading the book and talk about what parts it left out or added, and which they preferred.

Third Grade: Comprehend information from multiple representations (RL 7)

Fourth Grade: Explain how information from multiple representations of a topic contribute to understanding of the topic (RI 7)

Fifth Grade: Explain how information from multiple representations of a topic contribute to understanding of the topic (RL 7)