Understanding Informational Text: Key Strategies for Comprehension

Reading informational text is different from reading literature or fictional text.  Unlike literature, informational text focuses on factual, sometimes, current information or actual events. For example, newspapers, magazine articles, and textbooks in Science or Social Studies are all considered informational text or non-fiction text. Literature does not usually focus on actual events, its focus is on stories that are created by various authors, and they are not based on real events; however, some fictional text could become a real event, and those texts are considered realistic-fiction.  In most literature or fictional texts, there are characters, antagonist, protagonist, setting, a plot, climax, conflict, resolution, and few more.  

In contrast, informational texts provide information to the reader on a wide range of topics.  Information about weather patterns, the Universe, or different mountain ranges are all topics shared through informational text.  When reading informational text, the reader is tasked with identifying six key areas: the main idea, subject matter, supporting details, conclusion, clarifying devices, and vocabulary in context. These skills are essential to ensuring that the reader can comprehend factual information. There are three strategies that will help scholars comprehend informational text: annotate the text, Response-to-Reading, and the use of graphic organizers.

Annotate Text

As students read factual text, they should be encouraged to “mark up the text.”  When interacting with digital text, most ebooks have tools that allow the reader to highlight and take notes within the text.  Annotating text helps readers understand the text better.  When students can write questions they have about a text they are reading and find the answers to their questions, they begin to develop a deeper understanding of the content.  As a content teacher, I always pair writing with reading, and I coach scholars on how to identify key facts from the text that connect to the headings and subheadings.  Headings and subheadings provide clues about the text, so when reading informational text, headings and subheadings provide glimpses into the text.  

Response to Reading

Responding to reading is a strategy that requires the readers to engage with the text in a purposeful way.  Informational text should always be accompanied with questions that check for understanding of the text.  The questions can also ask the reader to expand their thinking about the text.  For example, if the text is about Mars, one question could ask the reader to imagine living on Mars (What would life be like on Mars?), given the different atmosphere, daytime and nighttime temperatures, the length of day and night.  Questions that focus on the text help readers understand specific concepts covered in the text because they are specifically designed to check for understanding of the content.  So, include questions that check for understanding of informational text (See Table 1). 

Table 1 Questions that Check for Understanding

Examples of Questions that Expand Thinking
What is the main idea of this text? What are some ways that  _______ are used?What is the composition of __________?What would life on Earth be like without ___________ ?How might ________ improve___________ ?

Use of Graphic Organizers

The use of graphic organizers helps readers organize information about the text.  Printable graphic organizer templates can be found online here:  Graphic Organizers.  These graphic organizers can be used with both fictional and factual text.  A favorite graphic organizer that several of my eighth grade scholars like using when they read articles is the “Science Article Analysis” graphic organizer (not online) (See Figure 1).  This graphic organizer helps readers identify key facts about magazine articles or digital articles, such as title, author, main idea, and four key details from the article.  Also, readers are asked to make future projections and tell why they liked or did not like the article.  

Figure 1. Article Analysis Graphic Organizer

Article Analysis Graphic Organizer 

In conclusion, ensuring readers understand factual text requires some form of writing to be involved.  Whether highlighting the text, underlining key vocabulary terms or answering questions based on the factual text, writing should always coexist with reading.  Writing helps the reader make sense of any text and comprehend complex topics, when reading informational text.  So, encourage your young readers

How Much Reading is Enough at School?

books in black wooden book shelf

Most often, when people think about “reading” they think about school and how school is the place where reading occurs.   Reading is often associated with Language Arts or Reading classes, if they still exist.  Reading is a skill that should be practiced every day, throughout the day, in all classes.  Just as athletes practice skills in a sport, the same holds true with reading; it should be practiced daily, multiple times throughout the day.  In addition, reading should not exist only at school, but at home too (There will be another blog about reading at home coming out soon). 

Reading in the Content Areas

Content teachers, outside of Language Arts (Reading and Writing), often do not imbed time for reading and writing in classroom instruction.  Opportunities to read in every class should be made available to help students master skills and comprehend content.  Research shows that student achievement is a result of high-levels of reading engagement. Opportunities of quiet time for reading should be imbedded in every content classroom, including Physical Education.

Scholars are usually motivated to read in school when a grade is connected, and sometimes, scholars develop a “love of reading” on their own; it takes only one book or one positive experience with reading that increases their curiosity. Teachers can read to their classes, and set time aside to read with small groups of students, or have scholars read aloud in class. Reading should be happening in every class.

In content classes, such as Science, History, or even Mathematics, have scholars read content-specific material. For example, in my Science classes, I allow my scholars to read with their “Appointment” partner. Students make appointments with each other so that when the time comes to work with a partner, they will know with whom they are scheduled to work based on the appointment time that is announced to the class. Students love working with a classmate or even a friend; pairing can be a powerful tool in Teachers may sometimes have to remind the students to stay on task, but not often and not every productive-pair. Students can even have reading time in Physical Education. When classes are playing a particular sport, teachers can find text focused on the origin of the sport, or scholars read directions on how to play a particular game or sport.

Another great strategy to encourage reading and engage scholars while they read, is the use of graphic organizers. Graphic organizers help students organize information from the text, and it can also be used as a study tool. Writing should always be paired with Reading. The only way to know if your scholars understand the text they are reading is by having them write down answers to specific questions about the text or respond to questions orally. So make time in your content instruction for your scholars to read 15 – 20 minutes at least twice a week; if you can schedule in more days great. Let’s help to create proficient readers.

Navigating Expectations in Learning Environments

Navigating different social environments can be quite complex for individuals. Each setting, whether it’s home, school, or a public space, comes with its own set of rules and expectations that guide behavior. Understanding these distinct guidelines is essential for effective interaction and communication. This complexity can often be challenging, especially for students who must adjust to numerous environments throughout their day. As we explore this topic, it becomes clear just how important these expectations are in shaping our actions and responses in various contexts.

In school, expectations focus on walking in the hallway, arriving to class on time, completing classwork, displaying respect to peers and teachers, and several more guidelines.  Most often, assumptions are made about scholars already knowing the expectations of the school environment.  But, in reality, most scholars are uncertain about the many expectations that exist in school, especially if scholars are transitioning from class to class and from teacher to teacher.  Teachers have different expectations for their classroom environment, so scholars have to navigate between classes and adapt to the expectations of each of their classes. 

Mastering Learning Environments

Adapting to and mastering expectations in learning environments, including home, can be achieved through consistent practice.

Strategies for Success

Effective strategies for success involve modeling and communicating expectations, as well as providing opportunities for practice, which contribute to scholars’ achievements in school.

Applicability Across Ages

These strategies are not limited to children; they can also be beneficial for young adults and older adults, making them versatile in various educational contexts.

In closing, understanding the power of expectations can transform how we approach our goals and relationships. By managing them wisely, we not only enhance our experiences but also open ourselves up to new possibilities. Embracing a balanced perspective on expectations can lead to a more fulfilling and successful journey.

Essential Back-to-School Tips for Parents

As the new school year begins, it’s important for families to prepare for a successful academic journey. While school supplies are often emphasized, there are other essential tasks that families need to complete to support their scholars throughout the year. Let’s explore some key steps to ensure a smooth and productive school year for both families and their scholars.

  1. Find Out the “Start Time” of School.

Now that the new school year is off to a great start, be sure of the official time school start, from a school official (secretary, Principal, teacher, or other staff member). Your scholar may tell you the time they want to arrive; like only when second period begins or at the end of first period.  If your child rides a school bus to school, then rest assured they will arrive to school on time; however, your scholar needs to make it to the bus stop on time.  In some school districts, a certain number of tardies equal an absent day, and so many absences may result in your scholar attending summer school or repeating a grade.  So plan for your scholar to arrive on time to school this school year.

  1. Update contact Information with the school.

Parents and guardians, it is vital that contact information is updated in the school system.  In case of an emergency, the school should be able to get in contact with the parents and guardians of its scholars.  Teachers should be able to contact parents and guardians to discuss the progress or behavior concerns of the scholars they serve.  Communication is a two-way skill and when the school needs additional support from their scholars’ families, this should be an effortless task because all information in their system is correct. 

  1. Attend Back-to-School Night and other School Events (meet scholars’ teachers and administrators).

Back-to-School Night or Open House as some schools call it is the perfect time to meet all of the teachers and staff at your scholars’ school. Most schools have parents and guardians travel through their scholars’ schedule, visiting each class where they receive the syllabi or important information from the teachers.  Back-to-School Night also provides parents and guardians to meet each other.  Meeting other parents and guardians is beneficial, especially, if the scholars are friends.  Other families can become additional support systems, especially, when scholars need rides home from games or school events.  So, make friends with other families and be in constant communication with the school.

In addition, be sure to be visible for other school sanctioned events, such as Parent-Teacher Conferences. These meetings are vital to understanding your scholar’s progress and areas for growth. Most often, teachers will provide suggestions of ways families can reinforce their scholar’s learning at home. So be sure to be attentive at your scholars’ school functions.

  1. Consistently Check Grades

Most school districts have grading systems that allow scholars and their families access so that grades can be viewed on a consistent basis. Be vigilant with viewing grades, consistently, to get ahead missing assignments and poor grades.  Also, check in with scholars and encourage them to advocate for their needs (middle level and high school students). Most marking periods are nine to 10 weeks, and progress reports or interims are published during the half-way period of each marking period. When grades are checked consistently, surprises are avoided and conferences can be scheduled to develop a plan to ensure the success of scholars.

  1. Visit your scholars’ classroom or volunteer your time.

Parents and guardians are usually unaware of the fact that they are stakeholders in the school and can visit the school at anytime.  Parents and guardians can schedule to visit their scholars’ school and or classroom.  As important stakeholders, families are vital to the success of schools and classrooms.  Teachers are more effective with the support of families.  Volunteer to be a chaperone on field trips and school or classroom events.  Help out your scholars’ school and classroom. 

In conclusion, let’s make the most of this year by being fully PRESENT in every moment. I am wishing everyone a successful and productive school year! 

Essential School Supplies for Social-Emotional Development and Executive Functioning

happy black schoolgirl with backpack standing near school bus

As the new school year approaches, many families are busy preparing the essential school supplies for their children. While notebooks, pencils, and book bags are commonly on the shopping list, there’s a set of supplies that are often overlooked. This unique school supply list focuses on supporting the social-emotional development of students and enhancing their executive functioning skills. Let’s explore the important items that contribute to the holistic growth and academic success of scholars.

     Social development refers to a child’s ability to create and sustain meaningful relationships with adults and other children.  Emotional development is a child’s ability to express, recognize, and manage their emotions as well as respond appropriately to others’ emotions.  Both social and emotional development are important for children’s mental health.

     Executive function is a term used by neurologists to describe the brain processes that drive a person’s ability to focus, solve problems, organize work, remember information, learn from mistakes, and manage impulses, all of which help students learn efficiently and develop important social skills (Causes and Cures in the Classroom; Getting to the Rood of academic and behavior problems by Margaret Searle, 2013).

     So please make sure your scholars have the following supplies each and every day this school year:

  1. Please help your scholar maintain a healthy diet. If assistance is needed with providing daily nourishment, please contact your scholars’ school or schools’ guidance counselors, psychologists, or nurses to help point you in the right direction to obtain assistance.
  2. Establish a consistent daily routine. If your scholar has already started school, then begin a daily routine now. A daily routine is simply a schedule created that outlines what things happen during which times. For example, what time will dinner be served? Or what time will your scholar go to bed? Make a plan for each 30 minute or 1 hour block of time to make sure that there is enough time for important tasks, like homework and family time.
  3. Have Daily Discourse with Your Scholars. Have discussions with your scholars about their day at school, about their classwork, and homework. Ask open-ended questions that require them to give detailed responses and not just “no” and “yes” responses.  Also, communicate your expectations about their behavior while in their in school with their teachers and friends.  Believe it or not, parents and families have a very strong influence on a child’s social and emotional development, it all begins with positive discourse with an adult at home.
  4. Help your scholar maintain an healthy hygiene.  Hygiene is a very difficult topic, for teachers and school administrators, to discuss with scholars and their families but it is a very important area that needs to be addressed.  Healthy hygiene is essential to maintaining good health, from brushing teeth to washing the body, healthy hygiene is essential to a successful school year. Scholars should take a bath or shower once a day, or at least wash up with soap and water; this will help to cut body odor, which will reduce the chances of your scholar being picked on by their peers; young people can be mean to one another. Specifically, during adolescence is when the bodies of young teens’ begin changing and smelling.  Body odor can negatively impact a scholar’s social and emotional development if the body odor becomes extremely noticeable.  If you need help with securing hygiene products, such as soap, contact your child’s guidance counselor or nurse; they can some times provide samples of different products.

    In conclusion, as we gear up for the new school year, it’s important to remember that supporting our scholars’ social-emotional development and executive functioning skills is crucial for their overall well-being and success. By ensuring they have the necessary supplies such as a healthy diet, consistent routines, open communication, and good hygiene, we can set them up for a positive and fulfilling academic journey. Let’s work together to create an environment where our scholars can thrive not only academically, but also emotionally and socially.