How can I use CommonLit texts in my instruction?

CommonLit is designed to be a flexible resource that can support a variety of instructional purposes. Many teachers use different types of lessons and features based on their classroom needs. Texts serve as the basis for both Library and Target Lessons, and both types of lessons can be found in the CommonLit Library. However, these lessons and their features serve different instructional needs.

Library Lessons

Library Lessons focus on a variety of standards and include Guided Reading Mode (GRM) Questions, Assessment Questions, and Discussion Questions. Furthermore, Library Lessons include paired texts and related media, allowing teachers to expand on the ideas and topics covered in the lesson.

Teachers can also edit the Annotation Task or change the assessment options for these lessons to adapt a reading passage to better suit existing lesson plans or units. For example, teachers can assign only annotations and short answer questions when working on a writing unit, or assign only Guided Reading Mode when working on comprehension or background knowledge. 

Finally, each Library Lesson provides additional information such as a summary of the text and unique Teaching Tips to help teachers incorporate the text into their classroom instruction. 

Target Lessons

Target Lessons focus on a single standard or skill. Each Target Lesson includes a warm-up for students, an instructional video, a review of the skill, During Reading questions solely aligned to the one standard, and a two question assessment. Furthermore, each Target Lesson includes a Teacher Copy, Student Copy, and a customizable slide deck.

Target Lessons can be used to teach a new skill to a whole class or in small groups or stations. They can also be used as additional practice on a skill that has already been covered. Finally, Target Lessons are an excellent way to remediate skills gaps teachers identify based on standards-specific data provided by CommonLit assessments and assignments.

Teachers can customize the instructions when assigning these lessons digitally. However, as these lessons are designed to hone in on a specific skill, it is not possible to edit the assessment options for Target Lessons.