Nonfiction Text Features

When students are reading nonfiction, there are so many aspects to consider. For instance, they have to remember that nonfiction texts focus on facts, real events, and real people. However, this can confuse students, as there is so much information to process. Luckily, teachers can showcase how nonfiction text features help students improve their comprehension and confidence when reading. For example, nonfiction text features anchor charts are a great way to provide visual reminders. As students learn how the features help support the information in the text, they will become calm, confident readers! 

What are Nonfiction Text Features?

Nonfiction text features are the parts of printed material that help readers understand key ideas or concepts. Essentially, text features help draw attention to important details or points. Examples include bold print, bullets, graphs, headings, italics, and timelines. 

Challenges Behind Nonfiction Text Features 

While teachers know that nonfiction text features will help students understand the material, students have to believe it. They need time and practice using text features to see how they help improve comprehension. Otherwise, students will not buy into using text features as effective learning tools. 

While learning how to use nonfiction text features, students may need more support and guidance. Honestly, there are many different features to use, and students can feel inundated with information. Therefore, they have trouble paying attention to the different features and understanding their purpose. 

Benefits of Nonfiction Text Features 

Students will become stronger readers when they understand how to use nonfiction text features. Honestly, they allow students to have references, guides, and clues when learning about new topics. For instance, if students are learning about a new place, a map can guide them to a location. Or captions can help showcase what’s happening during a volcanic eruption. There are many ways students can use text features to make sense of what they read on a deeper level. 

Activities to Support Nonfiction Reading 

Thankfully, there are incredible activities to help students learn to use nonfiction text features. 

1. Nonfiction Text Features Anchor Chart: It is SO helpful to have something to reference when working on text features. This resource has a large anchor chart for classroom display and smaller options for student handouts. Additionally, teachers can print it or load it for students to use digitally. Students will love having something to reference as they learn about text features. 
2. Text Surgery: Students will love feeling like doctors in this activity! Specifically, students receive a nonfiction text containing various text features. Then, they go through and dissect the passage to identify different features and the purpose they serve. As a helpful tool, students can use the Nonfiction Text Features Anchor Chart when dissecting the text! This tremendous, eye-opening activity allows students to see why text features are so helpful. 
3. Nonfiction Task Cards and Worksheets: This resource provides a lot of help for students when learning nonfiction text features! It includes 26 text feature posters for students to reference while working. Additionally, there are 24 task cards to help students apply their knowledge to specific questions. These task cards will be great for practice as students learn to identify and use text features. 
4. Scavenger Hunt: When students learn about nonfiction text features, they need time to apply their knowledge. So, they can receive various nonfiction texts. Then, they can complete a scavenger hunt to identify different text features. As an added element, they can explain why the feature is within the article. This is a great way to ensure students understand the importance of text features. 

Nonfiction text does not have to be scary for students! While the text may be complex, text features are a helpful way to break down and process the information. Students will become confident readers by using the nonfiction text features anchor chart and the activities above! If you’re looking for resources for narrative non-fiction instead, click here.

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