This week at the RBE Library, our 4th grade students continued their learning about Nonfiction Text Features and Nonfiction Text Structures. I collaborated with the 4th grade team to allow the students to get to have some hands on exploration with a variety of nonfiction texts.
We decided that the students would visit a series of stations on Text Features. We chose 9 Nonfiction Text Features: Title, Heading, Subtitle, Diagrams & Labels, Captions, Bolded Words, Table of Contents, Glossary, & Index. We also wanted the kids to get to explore certain Text Structures, so we chose 3 Nonfiction Text Structures to focus on: Compare & Contrast, Problem & Solution, and Cause & Effect.
There were 3 tables set up with 3 Text Features at each table and 4 Nonfiction books for each of the Text Features. The students were given a Nonfiction Reading Response Journal Choice Board. I wasn’t sure how much time it would take for the students to do the stations, so we made it a choice board. Turns out our 35 minutes allotted for the activity was plenty of time for all 9 Nonfiction Text Features and 1 of the Text Structures. I also created 3 Graphic Organizers for the Text Structures: Venn Diagram for Compare & Contrast, T-Chart for the Problem & Solution, and a Flow Chart for the Cause & Effect. Here are the Nonfiction Reading Response Stations Signs too.
I used a variety of books, and I used A LOT of our NEW Nonfiction books! During the activity, I had several students ask if they could check out the books because the books were so cool or interesting! For the Text Structures, I chose some very high interest, engaging books that had short, 1 page excerpts that could be read quickly. I have listed the books I chose below.
Compare & Contrast Nonfiction Text
- Deadly! : The Truth About the Most Dangerous Creatures on Earth by Nicola Davies and illustrated by Neal Layton
Problem Solution Nonfiction Texts
- Exciting Entertainment Inventions by Ryan Jacobson
- Fabulous Fashion Inventions by Laura Hamilton Waxman
- Marvelous Medical Inventions by Ryan Jacobson
- Stinky Sanitation Inventions by Katie Marsico
Cause & Effect Nonfiction Texts
- Farts, Vomit, and Other Functions That Help Your Body by Kristi Lew and consultant, Michael Bentley
- Onion Juice, Poop, and Other Surprising Sources of Alternative Energy by Mark Weakland and consultant, Kevin W. Harrison
- Gut Bugs, Dust Mites, and Other Microorganisms You Can’t Live Without by Mark Weakland and consultant, Brent Berwin
- Bat Spit, Maggots, and Other Amazing Medical Wonders by Kristi Lew and consultant, Michael Bentley
Pics of Students Exploring Nonfiction Text Features & Structures in the Library