DNA: Guided Reading Level N with Lesson Plan

Book Snapshot
• Title: DNA
• Genre: Nonfiction (informational science text)
• Subject: Life Science
• Primary Topic: DNA as genetic instructions in living things
• Estimated Guided Reading Level (A–Z): N

Learning Goals
• Students can explain what the book says DNA does for living things (instructions to grow and function).
• Students can describe where DNA is found in the body (in cells, held in the nucleus).
• Students can describe the shape of DNA using details from the text (a long, twisted ladder/double helix).
• Students can explain how the book describes the genetic code (four chemicals acting like letters in an alphabet).
• Students can describe ways DNA relates to traits and differences (physical traits, unique codes, identical twins).
• Students can explain why DNA makes a copy before a cell divides (so new cells have the same instructions).

Key Vocabulary From the Text
• molecule — a tiny thing that carries important information.
• microscope — a tool to see things too small to see.
• nucleus — a cell’s control center that holds DNA safely.
• helix — a twisted shape like a ladder.
• genetic — related to the body’s DNA code and information.

Discussion Prompts
• Pre-reading question: What do you think a “secret code” inside living things might help them do?
• Comprehension questions: Where does the book say DNA is kept inside almost every cell?
• Comprehension questions: What does the book compare the shape of DNA to, and what do scientists call that shape?
• Comprehension questions: Why does the book say DNA makes an exact copy of itself before a cell divides?

Printing Tips

1. Best Printing Method (Recommended)
   “Booklet” Printing (Best if Available)
   If your printer or PDF viewer supports Booklet Printing, use this.
   Settings to use:
   • Print mode: Booklet
   • Paper size: Letter or A4 (either works)
   • Orientation: Landscape
   • Print on both sides: Yes
   • Flip on: Short edge
   • Scaling: Fit to printable area
   • Booklet subset:
   o First test: Front sides only
   o Then: Back sides only
   This will automatically:
   • Pair pages correctly
   • Put the cover on the outside
   • Align everything for folding
   After printing, fold in half and staple along the spine.

2. If “Booklet” Printing Is NOT Available
   You can still print this correctly with manual duplex printing.
   Step-by-step:

3. Open the PDF.

4. Choose Print.

5. Set:
   o Orientation: Landscape
   o Pages per sheet: 1
   o Print on both sides: Yes
   o Flip on: Short edge

6. Print all pages.
   Because each PDF page already contains two facing book pages, the result will still fold cleanly into a book.