Molly and her friends use informational texts for a real-life purpose in the 11-minute story “Dream Tube,” the third of three video segments in this episode from the PBS KIDS series MOLLY OF DENALI. (Move the cursor over the video progress bar to locate the story at 14:00.) In order to buy a special inflatable raft, they decide to find and sell beautiful agate stones at the Denali Trading Post. They learn about agates and selling by reading books, consulting with expert Grandpa Nat, and searching online. By asking herself questions as she reads—especially “why?” and “how?”—Molly finds the information she needs. While exploring how to use informational texts, children also learn aspects of Alaska Native life.

For use in the classroom, see Dream Tube Lesson Plan.