Learning Activity

Informational Text Features Part 1

Subject Area

English Language Arts

Grade(s)

3

Overview

In this learning activity, the students will watch a video to introduce them to basic nonfiction text features including photographs with captions, an index, glossary, bold print, maps, and labels. After watching the video, the students will complete a scavenger hunt to identify specific text features. Finally, the students will share their scavenger hunts with the class.

This activity was created as a result of the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 3

ELA21.3.23

Identify and use text features in informational passages to locate information.

Unpacked Content

UP:ELA21.3.23

Vocabulary

  • Text features
  • Locate
  • Informational passage
  • Identify

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Informational passages often include text features that can be used to locate information within the text.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Identify text features in informational passages, such as headings, photographs, illustrations, labels, charts, graphs, legends.
  • Use text features to locate information within an informational passage.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Informational passages have predictable features that can be used to locate important information within the text.
  • Text features that are often used in informational text include headings, photographs, illustrations, labels, charts, graphs, and legends.
  • Using text features helps support their overall comprehension.

Phase

Before/Engage
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to identify and use text features in informational passages to locate information. 

Activity Details

  1. Show students the video Nonfiction Text Features.
  2. Pass out the Text Feature Scavenger Hunt
  3. After students complete the scavenger hunt, have students share their answers with the class. Students need to be prepared to share the book where they found at least one text feature from the scavenger hunt. 
Assessment Strategies

Assessment Strategies

The Text Feature Scavenger Hunt will be used as the assessment. The teacher will specifically look for the student's ability to identify bold print and illustrations (captions, photographs, and maps).

Variation Tips

  • Students can complete the scavenger hunt individually or with a partner.

Related Learning Activities

Learning Activity (Before)

Informational Text Features Part 1

Learning Activity (During)

Informational Text Features Part 2

Learning Activity (After)

Informational Text Features Part 3

Background and Preparation

Background / Preparation

  • The teacher will need to collect either textbooks, articles, newspapers, or informational library books before the lesson.
  • The teacher will need to preview the video ahead of time.
  • The teacher will need to have enough copies of the Text Feature Scavenger Hunt. 

 

Digital Tools / Resources

YouTube Learning Video: Nonfiction Text Features
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mAl9QMJJTo

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

potto
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