Nonfiction Text Features
Learning how to read and using the clues around you can be tricky for some students. Most nonfiction books have features which draw the reader in and gives clues to what the text is about. When it comes to non-fiction text, sometimes you just need to be able to navigate it more freely. If you’re trying to teach your students this skill, then you have come to the right place. I’m am going to guide you through how to use non-fiction text features in your classroom
What is a Nonfiction Text Feature?
A non-fiction text feature is something that will help someone who is reading a text get through the non-fiction text a little easier. An example of a non-fiction text feature could be:
- Headings
- Bold Words
- Charts
- Illustrations
- Table of contents
- Glossary
- Index
- Photographs
- Maps
These are only a few examples of what we’re talking about, but I wanted to give you a good idea of what they are.
Why Are Nonfiction Text Features Important?
Your students may be wondering WHY these non-fiction text features are important. When they ask you that question, you’ll want to be able to answer it for them. These features are important because they help a reader figure out what is going on in the text.
Non-fiction text features also help a reader figure out what is important in the text. It can help a student navigate through something they are reading. It’s safe to say that if a non-fiction text didn’t have a proper table of contents, it may be hard for one to find what they are looking for.
How to Teach About Nonfiction Text Features
Now that you know all about non-fiction text features and how they correlate with reading, here are some ways in which you can teach this important skill.
Practice Reading Nonfiction Text
One of the ways you can teach about non-fiction text features is by having your students practice reading these types of texts. Non-fiction texts may be a little harder to read for some students, but the more they are introduced to them, the more interesting it becomes.
Create an Interactive Nonfiction Text Feature Wall
There are a lot of students out there who are visual. Spend the time creating an interactive non-fiction text feature wall. This is where the students actually spend time talking about and writing down some examples.
Complete Text Feature Activities
Students need to see a variety of different prints to see all the different types of text features. Students can also play matching games. They take an image of a particular type of text features and match it accordingly. Having students read different types of books that contain a variety of text features always helps too.
I have actually created an awesome resource for teachers and their students. You can use this resource to help your students a true understanding of nonfiction text features. Your students will enjoy doing different activities that help them understand this concept even better.
Although this concept can be a little harder to teach, it’s important to do hands-on activities that will help your students learn and understand the value of non-fiction text features.
We also have a bundle that includes August – May. Each month teaching a particular skill and progressing as the year moves along. You can check that bundle out on Teacher’s Pay Teachers or on this website by clicking on the picture.
