my understanding of the need to use
more nonfiction and informational
literature with the children. However,
the process of observing kindergartners’
book choices, discussions, and
writing is what really compelled me to
change my thinking and practices. It
is evident that “incorporating informational
text in the early years of school
has the potential to increase student
motivation, build important comprehension
skills, and lay the groundwork
for students to grow into confident,
purposeful readers” (Duke 2004, 43).