ETA hand2mind ® Introduces Informational Texts to K–3 Readers Leveled series reaches all learners with content across the curriculum and interactive learning opportunities
VERNON HILLS, IL,August 6, 2004— ETA hand2mind , the industry leader in interactive literacy programs and manipulative-based education, introduces InfoTrek®, a series of over 160 informational texts for grades K–3. To familiarize younger readers with the kinds of texts and reading challenges they’ll encounter on standardized tests, InfoTrek leveled books offer titles with math, science, social studies, and health contexts that reach all types of learners.
The research-based InfoTrek series features both fiction and nonfiction informational texts for guided, shared, and independent reading. The leveled books allow teachers to differentiate instruction and provide frequent opportunities to link subject matter across the curriculum. By presenting reading in an informational context, InfoTrek helps beginning readers develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through exposure to charts, diagrams, and illustrations that help them learn how to read for information.
"Research has continued to demonstrate that informational texts can motivate children not only to begin reading but also to enjoy reading," noted Linda Rourke, ETA hand2mind Director of Reading . "Informational texts can engage young learners of all ability levels by capitalizing on their individual interests and curiosities and providing opportunities for them to draw on their prior knowledge."
InfoTrek also encourages interactive approaches to literacy learning. Besides helping teachers integrate reading instruction across the content areas, the Teacher’s Notes include ideas for hands-on reinforcement and activities using manipulatives, such as ETA hand2mind ’s popular Reading Rods®. The InfoTrek series further supports all learners by providing tips for involving ESL/ELL students in the class reading experiences.
The addition of InfoTrek to the ETA hand2mind Reading and Language Arts product line reinforces the company’s emphasis on interactive approaches to teaching and learning and commitment to the needs of reading teachers. " ETA hand2mind strongly believes that early literacy learning is critical to a student’s academic future in all subjects across the curriculum," commented Dennis Goldman, President. "InfoTrek is another example of how ETA hand2mind puts it all together—outstanding books, hands-on manipulatives, and comprehensive teacher support—to provide successful reading opportunities for readers of all ability levels and learning styles."
InfoTrek titles are designed for Guided Reading Levels A–P and are accompanied by Teacher’s Notes that provide clear and explicit lessons and extension activities. For the start of the 2004–2005 school year, ETA hand2mind will add 40 new social studies titles to the InfoTrek series for Grade 1, followed by additional titles in social studies and math in early 2005.
InfoTrek titles are available in a variety of packages and classroom sets. A six-pack of any individual title is $23.95. Guided Reading Classroom Packages consisting of 6 copies of each title, Teacher’s Notes for every title, and a Reading Rack Storage CenterCenter start at $299.95. For more information about InfoTrek, or to view sample pages, visit www.etacuisenaire.com/itinfo.
About ETA hand2mind
Headquartered in Vernon Hills, IL, ETA hand2mind is recognized as the premier publisher and pioneer of manipulatives-based education, with more than 8,000 supplemental math, reading, and science resources. Aligned to state and national standards, these products offer hands-on educational opportunities that engage students in learning and make teaching more effective for educators.
Londa Della 800-445-5985, ext. 5219
