Although we have been hearing lots of buzz about the Science of Reading, we cannot forget how vital it is to teach students comprehension skills, especially when it comes to non-fiction text structures. After students learn how to read, they of course read to learn! So how do we teach this? Read on to learn more about text structures!
What is Non-Fiction Text Structure?
Non-fiction text structure is how the text is organized for a reader. These skills can help readers find key information faster, more accurately, and make connections effectively. So what are the categories we can teach students? Below you will find these structures as they relate to organizing information for students.
What are the 5 Non-Fiction Text Structures?
Below are the 5 non-fiction text structures.
1. Chronological Order
This type of text provides students with a sequence or steps of events. This structure is perfect to pair with how-to writing prompts! Students will practice ordering information, while using clear language to support sequential steps.
2. Compare and Contrast
This type of text allows students to find differences and similarities between two (or more) things. In this structure, students will learn to make connections, analyze, and to use key vocabulary.
3. Cause and Effect
This type of text provides students with events and the directly related results of these events. By following this feature, students can understand how to provide reasons, as well as use key words like “because” and “the result”.
4. Descriptive
This type of nonfiction text structure dives into details about a specific topic. Students will learn to use adjectives, add attributes, and provide examples within this structure.
5. Problem and Solution
This type of feature shows a clear problem and how it was solved. Students will see how a person, thing, or community experienced an obstacle and found a way to overcome it!
Why do we Study Non-Fiction Text Structures?
Teaching these specific skills will allow students to visualize, creating graphic organizers as they read. In turn, this can help with their understanding and memory!
How do you Identify Text Structure?
Students must learn these structures discreetly, and eventually apply them to texts! Provide students with mentor texts so they can see how each text structure is shown in books. You can also hang up these different text features in the classroom, along with a visual graphic organizer, to support students’ understanding. Want to go even further? Try a Word Wall! See the following 5 Ideas for Teaching Nonfiction Text Structures.
5 Ideas for Teaching Non-Fiction Text Structures
Below are ideas for teaching non-fiction text structures.
1. Get Graphic!
Provide students with anchor charts, containing graphics of the text structures. Practice these organizers with students and have them be used independently. This way, students’ cognitive load will lessen as they categorize facts and find details within texts.
2. Provide a Word Wall
There are so many key words, and so little time! By providing a word wall with key vocabulary, students can reference the board to help them identify text structure, and also use these keywords in their own writing.
3. Read, Read, Read
By providing mentor texts, you can show students metacognitive practices when reading. Teach them why it is important to think as we read, and show them how to do it! What do we do before, during, and after reading? What text structure is this an example of? Why does the author choose to write this way? These are all critical questions that will support student understanding.
4. Highlight Key Words
By highlighting key words, students can practice applying their vocabulary and notice text structures. Use highlighting tape, highlighters, or even good old fashion post-it notes!
5. Play Games
When students are more engaged, they are more open to learning! In each section of the text structure blog posts, we will provide game ideas! From memory to puzzles, getting students engaged in their learning is key.
Resources for Teaching Non-Fiction Text Structures
Below are our favorite resources for teaching non-fiction text structures.
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In closing, we hope you found this information about non-fiction text structures helpful!
