How To Harness The Power Of Text Features In High School

Before they can harness the power of these features, they have to be aware of their importance. Being able to use these features lets readers find the information they need quickly and understand content thoroughly.



The school year begins with an exploration of nonfiction literature that includes different aspects. Students will discuss and then work with each feature of the text.


1. Headings


The headings feature is a crucial element in nonfiction books that assist readers gain access to prior knowledge as well as make connections. Titles, tables of contents for chapters, or captions on photographs and features illustrations are all examples.



Let students play this hands-on activity that involves placing text-related features in different categories based on the purpose for which they are. This approach encourages collaboration, innovation, and critical thinking capabilities.



Students may design cards to display the content and function. Invite them to give out their trading cards among their colleagues. The game is fun and provides a high level of discussion and encourages the love of the process of learning!


2. Subheadings


The headlines must be captivating in a world where our attention spans are shorter and newsfeeds are getting longer. But a captivating headline isn't enough to keep readers engaged. Subheadings are where they come in.



In nonfiction texts such as social studies or scientific content, the text feature will help users find relevant information fast by providing important vocabulary words and terms. Students can create schemas by navigating through content.



Employ graphic organizers, interactive activities to help teach nonfiction text features. In one example, put students into small groups and take part in"text-feature walks. "text-feature walk", where they identify the text feature and then read it from an author's text. They then read the texts and asking questions. Next, ask them to evaluate how much their understanding of the text's features has improved their comprehension.


3. Paragraphs


A paragraph is an arrangement of paragraphs that focus on one topic. It also helps to organize writing. Nonfiction and fiction texts use this feature. The feature lets a writer add information or details in an orderly manner.



This feature is helpful for readers of all levels because it helps them to connect with the text and grasp the content better. This is particularly important when the text contains information such as dates, statistics and even dates that include numbers.



The best way to start is by describing the role of this function and assist students in identifying its use. Then, you can work in small groups on the next activities. These digital challenges of these prepared activities range starting with the identification of features to their explanation.


4. Maps


Students learn how to recognize certain elements of text that will aid in finding information within nonfiction books. A Table of Contents and Index Sidebars, Glossary, Pictures and captions, labeled diagrams and Bold Words are a few examples. These features can also be used for accessing background information connect the dots and enhance understanding of the topic.



A way to strengthen the skills of these students is to make students shuffle non-examples as well as examples of every feature. It can be accomplished by using a mat to sort or, more easily using a piece of paper cut into sections of each element or the absence of any element.



Another great activity to try is a text feature boards which allows children to play out the text features and their friends identify the features. They then have to roll the dice and move around the board. It's an effective method to stimulate active participation as well as metacognition.


5. Illustrations


Illustrations included in textbooks are proven to improve reading comprehension. Students must however learn to control their eye movements and focus on the text and not on the illustrations. One study showed that both students with a high level of intellectual capability as well as those with low capabilities split their attention into studying the text and looking at illustrations.



Ask students to answer questions in a different way and texts that go from identifying the text's features and then explaining the features. The texts and questions can be found within each of my RI packs for each grade level. Click HERE to download the file for free. The game is great for smaller groups. Students can be paired up and then have them create an "cootie-catcher" about diverse text characteristics in nonfiction and what they can offer readers.