We offer you Short Texts at Your Fingertips. Twice each week, we provide teaching ideas around a different type of short text that is easily found in the home, so that no family feels under-resourced. These ideas can integrate into virtually any curriculum and pedagogy, from Workshop to basal. If you are a caregiver, teacher, or curriculum director, these brief but mighty texts and lessons are our way of saying thanks. And our way of giving children authentic and enjoyable reading and writing engagements each day.
Written by Julie Wright & Elizabeth Keim
SHORT TEXTS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS: TRIVIA
Did you know that the singular form of trivia is trivium? Did you also know that in Latin trivia means “triple way” because long ago European students learned about three disciplines which included grammar, logic, and rhetoric. Did you also know that the term trivia dates back to 1589 and has been references by many as insignificant pieces of information, The big question is whether you agree with Merriam-Webster’s definition that trivia is “unimportant facts, matters, or details” or if you believe trivia holds a significant place in our knowledge stream or if you believe that trivia is a fascinating and worthy pursuit. Regardless, trivia is everywhere, it’s at your fingertips, and is one short text type that grows exponentially by the day.
TRY THIS!
Step 1
Think about where you can find trivia that will entertain, inform and inspire readers.
Do you already know some trivia that you could share?
Do you have trivia books on your shelves?
Do you have magazines that include trivia?
Do you have online access where you can find trivia that piques interests?
There is often a page of “extra” facts (aka trivia) at the end of a nonfiction picture book.
Step 2
Find trivia to share. Things to consider:
Will you share trivia about one topic, such as sports or food, or multiple topics?
Will you ask students to find trivia to share? Do you need to create shared agreements about what types of trivia are appropriate?
Will you share trivia as a regular routine at the beginning or end of the day [or class period] OR will you create a learning progression across a few days using trivia?
Once you’ve selected trivia to share, take a closer look and think about other reading, writing, and talking opportunities are tucked inside this short text.
Sometimes trivia is set up in different formats. Here are two examples:
Step 3
Look for other reading, writing and talking opportunities using this short text type. Here are some examples:
Step 4
Look for other trivia that you find and read those too! You could also consider:
Sharing a Fun Fact [trivium] during breakfast [families] or during a morning/class meeting [educators] each day.
Hosting a trivia day or night.
Asking students to do a mini-research project about a topic of interest and write trivia to share with others.
FOR MORE RESOURCES, CHECK THESE OUT!
Books
Quiz Whiz from National Geographic
All-Star Goofball Trivia from Sports Illustrated
1001 Fun Facts for Kids by Funny Fox
Weird But True Series
Ever Wonder Why? By Douglas B. Smith
Now I Know by Dan Lewis
Games & More
Brain Quest Decks
Online Resources
National Geographic Quizzes
Apps [please preview and determine if these are appropriate for your students / family]
COMING SOON!
Short Texts: Mighty Mentors That Move Readers and Writers Forward by Julie Wright & Elizabeth Keim (2022)