Non-Fiction Text Features

Introduction

The second grade teacher needs your help!  She is going out of town and needs you to be the substitute teacher.  She has left you a plan to teach her students how to read non-fiction, but the students don't know how to read the books.  She needs you to create a presentation that will teach her class about  different text features the students will see in non-fiction books so that they can understand them better.

Task

Your task will be to research different text features author's use when writing non-fiction texts.  You will be using differnt websites on the internet and books in the classroom.  Then, you will create a presentation  to teach the students about non-fiction text features.

Process

1. Research different text features author's use by clicking on the links below.  Also, look through your science book to find examples of each.

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/

http://www.timeforkids.com/news/

http://www.kidsdiscover.com/

2. While you research, fill out the graphic organizer your teacher gave you. 

3. With your group, create your powerpoint. Your presentation should include:

  • Title page with group member names
  • At least 8 different text features/1 slide for each text feature being explained.
  • Each slide should include a 2nd grade friendly explanation and picture of the text feature
  • **When your group is ready to search for examples of each text feature on the internet, your teacher must be present. Use only the provided links to search for images.  You may get some examples from these sites by saving the image and putting into your powerpoint.
  •  http://www.kidrex.org/
Evaluation

You will be graded on the following:

1. Completed graphic organizer
2. Powerpoint 
     title slide
     8 slides each explaining one text feature AND how they help readers
     picture of each text feature

3. Cooperation with group and completing your role.
Evaluation Rubric
  Below Basic-1 Basic-2 Proficient-3 Advanced-4 Score
Graphic Organizer Barely filled out. Mostly filled out, but no explanations. 8 text features researched and explained More than 8 features researched, detailed explanation.
Powerpoint hardly any features explained with pictures. less than 8 features explained. missing descriptions/pictures. 8 features explained,detailed picture for each. more than 8 features explained, more than one detailed picture.
Group Work Did not participate, and was prompted to help often. Participated, but with some prompting and redirection. Participated through whole project. Shared work with others. Participated throughout whole project.
Total Score:
Conclusion

Bravo!  The second grade teacher is back and she LOVED what you taught her class.  Her students can read and navigate non-fiction better because of what you taught them!  Non-fiction text features are important for all readers to know so they can understand and have fun while reading.  You have made these 2nd graders better readers for life!  Congratulations!

Credits
Teacher Page
 


This webquest is designed to help 3rd/4th graders learn and understand non-fiction text features.


Grade Level Expectations:

 Reading:
      3 Develop and apply skills and strategies to comprehend, analyze and evaluate nonfiction (such as biographies, newspapers,technical manuals) from a variety of cultures and times.
             A:Text Features: Locate and interpret key information in illustrations, title,chapter headings,table of contents,charts, diagrams, graphs, glossary,captions and maps to answer questions
            D: Understanding Directions:Read and follow two and three-step directions to complete a   simple task.

Writing: 
     2: Compose well-developed text

Information Literacy
     1 :Develop and apply effective research process skills to gather, analyze and evaluate information
     2 :Develop and apply effective skills and strategies to analyze and evaluate oral and visual media


Information and Communications Technology Literacy
     1 :Follow an inquiry process to construct new understandings, draw conclusions, and create new   knowledge
     2 :Determine nature and intent of information needed
     3 :Access information efficiently and effectively
     5 :Use information effectively and creatively

Teacher Notes:
Teachers who do not have access to computers in the classroom may choose to have students create a booklet, poster, etc. instead of a powerpoint. After their presentations are complete the students may actually go to a 2nd grade clasroom to present or 'teach' the other students.  I also thought that skype would be a good way to teach 2nd graders if they are not available in your building.