This complete unit has everything you need to teach informational text structures in third, fourth, of fifth grade. It includes a slideshow with note-taking sheet, 4 differentiated worksheets, a sorting activity, organizers, lesson plans, posters, and assessment.

Activities focus on identification of description, sequence (chronology), compare-contrast, cause-effect, and problem-solution structures in single paragraphs. Simple graphic organizers encourage conceptualization; keywords support identification.

The slideshow and all student materials (except the sorting activity) are also included as Google Slides.

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Open the previews to take a closer look at resources that support this complete learning cycle:

Nonfiction Text Structures Slideshow

• Colorful, interactive graphic organizers illustrate description, sequence (chronology), compare-contrast, cause-effect, and problem-solution text structures.
• For each, the teacher and students explore an example paragraph, its format, and keywords that signal the structure.
• Kids can take notes on a corresponding table or mark up the text.
• Reference guides and an exit ticket are also included.

Posters – Five colorful pages can be used as anchor charts and/or hung on your classroom wall for reinforcement.

Differentiated Worksheets

• Each page includes five paragraphs to analyze – one for each structure. Topics include the Great Lakes, rocks, earthquakes, and clouds.
• Kids read closely to locate keywords and identify text structure.
• Differentiation – One worksheet features a sidebar with graphic organizers and keywords to guide students; the other does not.

Sorting Activity

• Along the top, they lay out cards for description, sequence, compare-contrast, cause-effect, and problem-solution.
• On the side, they position the five castles: Neuschwanstein, Mont Saint-Michel, Conwy, Prague, and Cinderella.
• Working in groups, kids read each card aloud. They discuss the format of each nonfiction paragraph, as well as keywords.
• Then they categorize each card by castle and informational text structure.

Assessment

• Parallel to the worksheets students have already completed, the assessment offers five paragraphs to analyze. Two versions are included: with and without guidance n the sidebar.
• Another page asks students to match text structures with their definitions and keywords.

Extension -Two worksheets provide practice for any nonfiction text.

• On the first worksheet, students list page and paragraph numbers then identify the format.
• For the second practice sheet, they also provide evidence.
• Both work well with your social studies or science textbook and can be used throughout the year.

Files include everything you need:

• Lesson plans (found in the bonus file)
• Interactive slideshow
• Note-taking sheet and paragraphs to mark up
• Exit ticket
• 5 posters
• Two-page informational text structures reference guide
• Four differentiated worksheets
• Six pages of sorting cards (six cards per page – just print and cut)
• Assessment
• Answer keys
• Two pages to practice with your own text

The unit can be used in a variety of ways.

• Whole class practice
• Test prep
• Small group work, remediation, or tutoring
• Homework
• Sub plans
• Homeschool

Your third, fourth, or fifth grade students will love this unit – and so will you!

• As kids’ confidence grows, they feel more comfortable with nonfiction texts.
• Working in groups seems more like fun than work. They’ll love the sorting activity.
• Students will discriminate between description, sequence, compare-contrast, cause-effect, and problem solution. Understanding of the role of transition terms will also grow.
• The activity meets the intent of your standards. For example, if you CCSS RI.4.5, kids will be able to recognize characteristics and structures of informational text.

Enjoy teaching!

Brenda Kovich