Lesson Plan
Analyzing Textbook Formats
| Subject: | Literacy |
| Grade span: | 9 to 12 |
| Duration: | One to three 15- to 30-minute sessions |
Description:
Because students learn to read using fiction texts, they commonly lack understanding of the very different principles guiding the organization of nonfiction texts. Provide students with an invaluable study skill by tutoring them to: recognize different structures and formats for nonfiction; use common features to find information; read graphs, charts, and illustrations; and navigate through several texts to locate information on one focused topic. Students will respond best to this work if they select a favorite topic to explore. This activity can require one to three tutoring sessions of about thirty minutes.Learning Goals:
- Learn strategies for comprehending textbooks and other nonfiction texts
- Analyze characteristics of various nonfiction formats
- Understand the purpose of headings, subheadings, graphs, illustrations, etc.
- Learn how to locate and use specific features (index, glossary, table of contents)
- Formulate questions and develop strategies for seeking specific information in nonfiction texts
Materials:
- Sample school textbooks and related nonfiction books, ideally on a topic the student selects
- Description of how to use a K-W-L Chart and modifications http://www.exploratorium.edu/ifi/
- K-W-H-L chart -- Look under Graphic Organizers at: http://www.education-world.com/
- Information about how to use graphic organizers and various models http://www.cast.org/system/ (PDF)
Preparation:
- Ask your tutee about upcoming themes or topics in science, social studies, or math in his or her school classes.
- Work together to identify one topic and establish a question or focus that captures the tutee's interest (Example: why did it take so long for U.S. women to vote?)
- Assemble the school textbook and three or four additional nonfiction books on this topic (look for exciting formats with pictures, graphs, and illustrations)
What to Do:
- Conduct a "guided tour" of each book, pointing out different features and asking student to describe their purpose
- Review each table of contents to determine how ideas are organized (compare/ contrast, sequence of events, problem/solution, process, cause/effect, random)
- Identify and practice using other features that locate information (index, headings and subheadings, pictures and graphs, glossaries)
- Coach student in ways to interpret illustrations, graphs, and other visual displays, working with an appropriate graphic organizer to track important information
- Fill out three categories of the K-W-H-L chart with the student - what they know about the topic, what they want to know, how they will find it (using many texts)
- Carry out the K-W-H plan and complete the "L" column with information the student learned
Evaluate (Outcomes to look for):
Student ability to -
- Identify organizing principles of nonfiction
- Use organizing features of nonfiction to find information
- Read and interpret visual displays
- Design and carry out a research plan using a range of nonfiction texts
