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Using Text Structure to Read Information Texts Well.

ISKL TTP 2017

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Session objectives

Understand why text structure is important
Develop an awareness of text structure
Participate in a lesson that upper elementary kids (3-5) might do to tune into text structure
Learn ways that you may support your kids in using text structure at home

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Why is Text Structure Important?

Text Structure

Making Connections

Retelling

Enjoyment

Search for information

Author’s Message

Predicting

F & P Quote from When Readers Struggle- “Knowing the overall organizational pattern, as well as underlying structures such as comparison and contrast, provide a scaffold for deriving and understanding the information”

If the student is able to tune into the structure of the text, the following reading strategies inevitably become easier.

When it comes to retelling, the signal words a text may have can add students in retelling with greater success.

With regards to author’s message, once students identify the purpose which can be determined through the structure, it’s easier for a student to say what the message of the reading is. For example, if a student is reading a cause and effect text and they identify words such as when, if, then, they might say the author’s purpose was to write about the cause/effects of a volcano therefore the message is that volcanoes are caused by… Many people think the effects of volcanoes are negative such as … but they might also have positive effects such as…

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Examples of Text Structure: Description

Note taking 1	Note taking 2	Signal Words
		For example, for instance, another

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Examples of Text Structure: Cause & Effect

Note taking 1	Note taking 2	Signal Words
		because, therefore, as a result, when, if/ then, due to, consequently

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Examples of Text Structure: Sequential

Note taking 1	Note taking 2	Signal Words
		First, next, then, later, before, after

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Examples of Text Structure: Problem/ Solution

Note taking 1	Note taking 2	Signal Words
		Problem, solution, this solves, this leads to, so that, the question is

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Examples of Text Structure: Compare & Contrast

Note taking 1	Note taking 2	Signal Words
		Unlike, like, different, same, both, only, however, on the other hand, similarly

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Let’s Try.

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Compare & Contrast Step by Step

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Now You Try...

Differentiated Texts:

EAL	On-Level (G4)	Extending
Native American Houses	The Funny Thing about Cats & Dogs	Reptiles & Amphibians

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Supporting Your Child At Home

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Using Text Structure to Read Information Texts Well.

ISKL TTP 2017