Reading Informational Text


ELAR-Grade-4 Non-fiction Texts Reading Informational Texts
Students analyze the features of informational text. Using the text features, students predict what the text will teach them. Then they learn about the common organizational patterns of informational text. While reading, they analyze how the author structured the informational text. Then they determine the main idea and the details that support it. Finally, they write a summary based on the main idea and details.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Here are the teacher pack items for Reading Informational Text:

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Overview

In this experience, students analyze the features of informational text. Using the text features, students predict what the text will teach them. Then they learn about the common organizational patterns of informational text. While reading, they analyze how the author structured the informational text. Then they determine the main idea and the details that support it. Finally, they write a summary based on the main idea and details.

Objectives

  • Identify and define common features and organizational structures of informational text.
  • Identify the main idea and supporting details of a passage.
  • Write a summary of an informational passage using the main idea and details.

Duration

One or two class periods.

Vocabulary Words in the Article

  • Renaissance: period in history of great learning and advancements
  • mathematician: a person who studies math
  • apprentice: a person who studies under another person
  • patron: someone who supports another by giving money
  • reputation: how someone is viewed or looked at by others


When you read a chapter book for enjoyment, you read differently than when you are reading a textbook for school. In this experience, you will learn about one type of text and how to read it so you can get the most out of it!

Objectives

  • Identify and define common features and organizational structures of informational text.
  • Identify the main idea and supporting details of a passage.
  • Write a summary of an informational passage using the main idea and details.


boy reading a newspaper, showing surprise on his face

Think about a topic you would like to know more about. How would you learn about that topic?


In a word or short phrase, name a source you can use to learn more about a topic. To list more than one, separate them with a comma, like this: house, car

Post your answer

Discuss students’ responses, which may include sources like books, Internet or Web, Google, magazines, television, newspapers, library, parents or friends, and teacher.

Point out that these are all valid ways of finding information, and that the best source depends on the type of information one needs. For example, if you need information about what time a birthday party is scheduled, a friend who is also invited is the best source. If you want information about the best breed of dog for your family, the Internet or a book may be the best source.


In this experience, you are going to be looking at an informational text, a passage with information about a topic that is designed to teach you something. You will explore how it is written. What do you know already about reading informational text? Are you familiar with any of its features?


In the table below, name one thing you already know about informational text. Begin by thinking about a text or passage you have read. If someone has already listed your fact, try to think of a different one. 



Discuss student responses. Begin by identifying informational texts that students have read. Students may state that informational texts teach the reader about a subject. They may be familiar with common text features such as illustrations, captions, charts, headings, etc.

You may want to generate a class list of knowledge so far and add to this list as you move through the experience.


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

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The Complete List of Learning Experiences in Non-fiction Texts Unit.
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