Reference Materials Lesson Plans

Analyze the author's stated or implied purpose in an informational text. Middle schoolers identify the loaded words in the example selections and determine the purpose. Use this activity as a preparation for finding the author's purpose in a longer piece of informational text.

Fourth graders identify main ideas and supporting details using informational texts. In this literacy activity, 4th graders make predictions of texts and then read the text to find the main ideas. Students use a table diagram to define the main idea and supporting details. Students use the diagrams to write a paragraph about the main idea from the text.

Fifth graders explore informational texts. In this language arts lesson, 5th graders discuss the elements of informational texts and read an informational text and identify the characteristics of informational texts.

Sixth graders create a graphic organizer that uses the titles and subtitles of an informational text. They recognize and use features of narrative and informational text. They connect and remember the main idea and details in reading to meet their purpose for reading.

Pupils evaluate websites and what makes them effective. In this editing activity students evaluate and revise a website from the internet focusing on informational text.  They will then complete the same exercise in smaller groups and evaluate each other's work.

Explore connections within and between informational texts with this lesson about encyclopedia articles. Middle schoolers write encyclopedia articles focusing on topics in American history. They discuss how to determine credibility online, practice fact checking, assess their own ability to read actively and skeptically, and write memos that educate others on how to do so. Lesson provides vocabulary, assessment options, extensions, and interdisciplinary connections.

How can word choice affect a political speech? Middle and high schoolers examine the text of the 1999 State of the Union Address, and then determine how a newspaper articles and television reports describe and analyze the event. Use this activity to examine conflicting evidence and viewpoints in informational text, or to focus on evaulating a speaker's argument.

Evaluate opposing sides to the debate regarding whether or not there is a future for scientific discovery. Middle and high schoolers assess quotations from the articles to evaluate claims, and write final reflections about their views about science's future. They can practice writing a summary of informational text at the end of the activity.

Explore the backgrounds, qualifications and platforms of the Presidential candidates for the 2000 election. Though the lesson is outdated, the activities within the informational text could be good practice for your young learners as they work on evaluating arguments and claims. They work in small groups to research information about assigned candidates and create official-looking résumés.

Study the importance of word choice in informational text with this lesson. Middle and high schoolers locate such words and phrases in newspaper articles of their choosing, and use online word sites to explore the definitions and histories of each. They finish the activity by creating illustrated vocabulary posters incorporating this information in a fun way.