Text features are the elements which organize written text to support meaning. They include page numbers, table of contents images, illustrations, photographs chapter titles, headings and sub-headings, as well as captions, labels, and diagrams.
It is essential to teach children the features of text to enhance their comprehension of reading. This is especially crucial for children who are beginning to read nonfiction.
What`s a text feature?
Text features are the sections of a nonfiction piece or book that aren`t included in the main body. These include the table contents and captions, indexes, headings beneath diagrams or images, and glossary terms.
They`re akin to story elements in fiction, however they offer extra aid to comprehension and offer an easy way for the reader. They can aid students in finding details they`re not aware of, or connect with their previous knowledge.
Children often ask “How could I possibly go through this if it didn`t contain text?”
It is essential to teach students to recognize and understand text features in order to improve their comprehension of nonfictional content. This is particularly true for science and social studies content.
Text Features Bingo is a great way to educate students. You can play it in small groups or as a whole class. It`s an excellent way to get your students involved in meaningful learning! You`ll find more at -.
Beginning Techniques For Using Text Features
Text features provide additional clues to help students understand information from informational texts. Without them, students are left to their own devices when trying to locate relevant information within the text.
It is essential to teach children the importance of text features and how they can assist them to comprehend. This can be accomplished by focussing on specific text features or by showing students the method of using them.
A scavenger hunt is the perfect way to introduce and learn about the text features. This activity is especially great for children in the younger age group as they can have fun exploring and recording the text features that they discover.
Another method to teach the features of text is to do the use of a think-aloud within a small group. This works best when the groups are grouped in a way that there is a diversity of backgrounds and strengths.
When students have a basic understanding of text features they can use them in their reading and research skills. Text features can be used to read any kind of text, such as articles, books as well as websites. They help students organize information and locate it quickly.
Advanced Techniques For Using Text Features
Students can improve their comprehension of text features and how they work by having a better understanding. They can also draw on previous knowledge, make connections and increase their understanding of a text`s content.
One way to do this is by using the text feature walk. This activity that is engaging for small groups is extremely effective and has been proven to increase the number of valid predictions.
To do this, ask students go through the pages in the social or science book. Explain that every single thing on the page, with the exception for the main body of the text is considered a text feature.
For instance headings, images, captions, diagrams labeled with captions maps, and glossaries are all text elements. The goal is to have students read the entire page and discuss the purpose of each text feature and why it`s there and how it relates to their predicted principal idea.
Visual Text Features
Visual text features are graphic elements such as symbols, icons, and other elements that convey information. These include cartoons comic strips maps, timelines, signs, or even photographs of people.
They can help students connect concepts and provide a quick overview of the text. They can also be a great way to assess and assess student understanding of more abstract concepts and vocabulary.
Visual text can be represented in many ways within a classroom. It can be in the form of photographs, posters, posters or charts. Making sure that children are taught to make use of these non-linguistic text features will allow them to comprehend more complex texts and appreciate reading a wide range of books.
