Posted in: Aha! Blog > Great Minds Geodes Blog > Early Literacy knowledge building Science of Reading > Introducing New Level 3 Geodes Books
As educators, there’s nothing quite like seeing your students lose themselves in a good book. Often, though, students are unable to access the wonder and joy that these captivating stories can bring until they’ve mastered foundational reading skills.
With Geodes® books, students practice and apply their decoding and phonics skills as they build rich knowledge—which the Science of Reading tells us is crucial for students to become skilled readers. To continue supporting students in building grade-level reading proficiency and fluency, we are excited to announce our new Level 3 Geodes books.
Why Level 3 Geodes?
We know that third grade is a pivotal year for students. As they take on more responsibility for reading complex texts independently, students are expected to have a level of reading proficiency so they can focus more on comprehending and making meaning out of what they read. However, many students still need additional support in accessing grade-level complex texts and content, which often leaves them unprepared for the upcoming challenges of fourth grade and beyond.
That’s where Level 3 Geodes books make a difference. These phonetically accessible, knowledge-building texts guide students toward grade-level reading proficiency. The books and additional resources are carefully designed to help students read with accuracy, phrasing, and expression so they can build fluency and comprehension. Each book also systematically builds knowledge while preparing students to access fourth-grade level content and complex texts by the last book in the set.
Reading to Learn While Learning to Read
Crafted as Readables, Geodes books are thoughtfully designed to build content and vocabulary knowledge while gradually increasing reading stamina within and across Levels K–3. Each book is at least 80 percent decodable based on a typical research-based phonics scope and sequence. All students find moments of pride and accomplishment as they progress from Wordless Picture Books and Sound Search Books to Duet Books and, finally, to independent reading of picture books and chapter books.
Just like K–2 Geodes books, Level 3 Geodes texts are highly readable and help students build lasting knowledge on a variety of topics spanning science, history, art, and more. Each book is beautifully illustrated with engaging characters, experiences, and storylines across a mix of genres. Each book was also carefully fact-checked by expert reviewers. All our books and teacher resources also incorporate user testing and feedback to ensure we are providing students and teachers with what they need at their grade level.
What’s Included in a Level 3 Set?
96 books with 6 color copies of each title, 4 titles per module, and 4 modules in the set
- 16 Warm Up Cards with one copy for each title that highlights key phonetic patterns, heart words, and content words
- 320 Geodes Quest™ student workbooks with 20 copies of each of the 16 titles
- Inside Geodes® teacher resource, which includes comprehensive information about each module and guidance on how to flexibly incorporate Level 3 Geodes books into literacy instruction
- Digital teacher resources and versions of Geodes titles through the My Geodes® digital experience
Are you interested in bringing Level 3 Geodes books to your school or district? Please contact your local representative to learn more.
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Great Minds
Great Minds PBC is a public benefit corporation and a subsidiary of Great Minds, a nonprofit organization. A group of education leaders founded Great Minds® in 2007 to advocate for a more content-rich, comprehensive education for all children. In pursuit of that mission, Great Minds brings together teachers and scholars to create exemplary instructional materials that provide joyful rigor to learning, spark and reward curiosity, and impart knowledge with equal parts delight.
Topics: Early Literacy Featured knowledge building Science of Reading