Looking for an easy way to help your third graders actually use text features—without adding more prep to your plate? These 3rd Grade Text Features Task Cards go beyond simply naming features and teach students how to use them to locate information efficiently in informational text.

Each task card places students in real reading situations where they must rely on headings, captions, diagrams, glossaries, indexes, keywords, sidebars, and hyperlinks to find answers—just like authentic nonfiction readers do.

This resource builds the exact skills students need for research, test prep, and everyday informational reading.

This set is aligned to Common Core RI.3.5 and works perfectly for literacy centers, whole group practice, small groups, or intervention.

Why Use Text Features Task Cards?

Task cards are a great way to keep students learning while giving you flexibility in how you teach.

✔️ Focuses on one essential informational reading skill
✔️ Teaches students to USE features, not just label them
✔️ Builds research and nonfiction navigation skills
✔️ Encourages movement and active engagement
✔️ Easy to adapt for different teaching situations

These cards are print and go. With four cards per page, printing and laminating is quick and painless.

What’s Included

• 24 text features task cards
• Student recording sheet
• Answer key for quick checking
• Color and black-and-white versions
• Simple teacher directions

Ways to Use in the Classroom

✏️ Task Card Scoot – Place cards on desks and have students rotate at your signal or work at their own pace
✏️ Write the Room – Hang cards around the classroom and let students move as they work
✏️ Whole Group Practice – Display a card under the document camera and answer together
✏️ Small Groups or Intervention – Use for targeted nonfiction reading support
✏️ Fast Finishers or Extra Practice – Perfect for early finishers or quick review

❤️ Why Teachers & Students Love These Task Cards

✅ Targets a specific Common Core standard (RI.3.5)
✅ Moves beyond identification to real application
✅ Builds independence with nonfiction texts
✅ Keeps students engaged through movement and variety
✅ Flexible for whole group, centers, or intervention
✅ Time-saving for teachers—just print, prep, and teach

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→ Details Task Cards

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→ Text Features Task Cards

→ Vocabulary in Context Task Cards

➡️ Save 30% off the mini bundle: Informational Nonfiction Text Task Cards

✨ Save 35% off with the mega bundle: 3rd Grade ELA Yearlong Task Card Bundle

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need any special materials to use these task cards?
A: Nope! Just print the cards and recording sheets. Laminating is optional but helpful if you plan to reuse them.

Q: How long does this activity take?
A: It’s flexible! Students can complete the full set in one longer center session or over several short rotations. You can also use just a few cards at a time.

Q: Can I use these in centers or small groups?
A: Yes! These task cards work great for literacy centers, small groups, intervention, test prep, or independent practice.

Q: Are the task cards self-checking?
A: The cards are multiple choice, and an answer key is included so you can quickly check student work, have students self-check, or review answers as a class.

Q: Can students work independently?
A: Yes. The directions are simple and consistent, making these perfect for independent work once students know the routine.

Q: Are these appropriate for different ability levels?
A: Yes. This resource is designed for 3rd grade but also works well for 2nd grade enrichment or 4th grade remediation.

Q: Do these align with Common Core standards?

A: Yes. These task cards are aligned to CCSS RI.3.5 and focus on using text features and search tools to locate information efficiently.