Can informational text be used effectively in beginning reading instruction, as mandated by the Common Core State Standards? Yes, writes Nell K. Duke-in fact, the primary grades are the perfect place for informational text. Duke discusses seven features that characterize K-3 classrooms that make good use of informational text: (1) informational text used from the beginning; (2) read-alouds using informational text; (3) sets of informational texts related to themes; (4) an informational-text-rich environment; (5) a lexically curious environment; (6) teaching about text; and (7) opportunities for students to share information through writing. Effective use of informational text in grades K-3 promotes both students' content knowledge and their foundational decoding and comprehension skills. As Duke concludes, "The notion that children must learn to read before they can read to learn is a relic of the past."