Getting to Know Your Textbook

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...

Everything you need to know about informational text features can be found in this resource. Recognizing these types of text features and how they are used in text allows readers to better understand information. Teachers can use this as...

What's the difference between medical marijuana and marijuana bought on the street? Not much. High schoolers learn more about marijuana with an informational booklet that focuses on the medical uses of THC, how marijuana affects the...

Learning to recognize the importance of the features of information text (i.e., titles, subtitles, endnotes, sidebars, etc.) is the focus of a reading activity designed for middle schoolers. Learners examine how these text features help...

Picking apart an informational text can be tricky, but having the right questions to ask can certainly help the process. Begin with the basic questions about the topic, main idea, support, and purpose before moving on the the in-depth...

Prepare for a research project or just use this worksheet on its own. Class members choose a topic, write a big question about it, and note down information they find about it. The final product is a longer written assignment in the...

Young journalists learn about topics such as newspaper ethics, parts of a newspaper, credible sources, and different types of articles. The lesson empowers individuals and gives them the capability to express their voices through the...

How can you tell if the text you're reading is informational or narrative? Show your reading class this basic PowerPoint to illustrate the characteristics of an informational text. What makes this presentation especially effective is...

Investigate popular scientific claims and gather evidence to defend or argue against an author's stance. Writers synthesize information and compose their own "Really?" columns modeled after those found in the weekly "Science Times"...

Young readers work on evaluating claims in a piece of informational text with the article "In New York, It's Open Bag or Find Exits" from the New York Times. They analyze current search procedures implemented to fight terrorism and...