Non-Fiction Text Features

Teaching young readers about nonfiction text features is a game-changer in helping them understand and engage with informational texts. Non-fiction text features are like little reading road signs that guide students through new information, allowing them to locate and comprehend facts more efficiently. It’s very important in first and second grade to focus on key text features which will allow students to be more successful and build their confidence when they encounter more complex texts later on.

Here are some important text features students should know:

· Headings – Titles that introduce the main topics or sections of a text. It gives readers an idea of what they’ll be learning about.

· Subheadings – Smaller titles that break down the main topic into specific sections, allowing the reader to find information quickly.

· Table of Contents – A list at the beginning of the book that shows all of the chapters or sections and the page numbers they can find it on.

· Captions – A description under pictures or diagrams that explain what the image shows and gives more information about it.

· Glossary – A small dictionary at the end of a book that defines the important words found in the text.

· Index – A list at the end of the book in alphabetical order that shows where certain topics or words are mentioned.

· Bold Words – Words that are darker in print to show they are important terms

· Diagrams – Drawings or images with labels showing parts of something, providing a visual explanation of a concept.

· Labels – Words or phrases on a pictures or diagram that name specific items or parts.

· Charts and Graphs – Visual displays of information, like numbers or facts, that make it easier to understand data or relationships.

Check out some engaging activities below that let students practice identify and using these features while learning about incredible topics such as bats, bald eagles, spiders and more!

Includes follow up comprehension activities and writing activity.