Understanding Text Features in Informational Texts
Understanding Text Features in Informational Texts Objective: Students will learn to identify and use text features such as headings, subheadings, captions, and diagrams to locate key information in a text efficiently.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize various text features in informational texts.
- Use text features to locate specific information quickly.
- Explain how text features help understand the content better.
Materials Needed
- A grade-appropriate informational text (print or digital)
- Worksheet with sample text features
- Colored pencils or markers
- Notebook or paper for notes
Key Vocabulary
- Text Features
- Elements of a text like headings, captions, and diagrams that help readers find and understand information.
- Heading
- A title at the beginning of a section that tells what that part is about.
- Caption
- A sentence or phrase that explains a picture or diagram.
Detailed Activities
Identifying Text Features
- Begin by introducing common text features using examples on a board or paper.
- Read a short informational text aloud together, pausing to point out text features.
- Have the student highlight or circle text features in the provided worksheet.
Using Text Features for Information
- Ask the student a question that can be answered by looking at a specific text feature (e.g., ‘What does the diagram show?’).
- Guide the student to find the answer by using headings or captions.
- Discuss how the text features helped find the information faster.
Creating Your Own Text Feature
- Ask the student to create a simple diagram or caption related to a topic they like.
- Have them explain how their text feature helps someone understand the topic.
- Review their work together and encourage clear, descriptive labels.
Parent & Instructor Notes
- Encourage your child to ask questions when they see new text features in books or articles.
- Keep the reading sessions relaxed and praise your child’s efforts to find information using text features.
- You do not need to be an expert in all topics; focus on helping your child notice how text features guide reading.
Assessment Questions
- Can you name three different text features?
- Where would you look in a book to find a quick summary of a section?
- How does a caption help you understand a picture or diagram?
Extension Ideas
- Explore different nonfiction books and list all the text features you find together.
- Create a mini-book with headings and captions on a topic your child enjoys.
- Use magazines or newspapers to find and cut out examples of text features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start with very simple texts and point out one feature at a time. Use lots of praise and encourage them to try again with different books.
Short daily sessions of 10-15 minutes are effective. Consistency helps build confidence and understanding.
Teacher’s Guide
Common Misconceptions:
- Students might think that pictures are just decorations rather than important sources of information.
- Some students may overlook headings and captions, focusing only on the main text.
Scaffolding Ideas:
For Struggling Students:
- Use shorter texts with very clear and simple text features.
- Give one-on-one guidance when locating information using text features.
For Advanced Students:
- Challenge them to compare information from different text features across several sources.
- Encourage creating more detailed diagrams or summaries using text features.
Pacing Recommendations:
- Spend about 10-15 minutes on identifying text features.
- Allow 15 minutes for hands-on practice using text features to find information.
- Use the remaining time for creating their own text feature and discussing its purpose.
Standards
- 5.RI.7 — Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources, demonstrating the ability to locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem efficiently.
Printable Worksheet
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