Informational Text FeaturesOr, how to find what you’re looking for

Need to find information?

What are Informational Text Features?

What are informational text features?

Nonfiction books have special parts called text features that help us find information.

Today, you will learn about the Table of Contents. We will use the Table of Contents to locate information, and reflect on how it helps us as researchers.oWhat is a Table of Contents?oUsing the Table of ContentsoThinking about the Table of Contents

The Table of Contents

Where is the Table of Contents?

A table of contents is at the beginning of a book.

What is a Table of Contents?

A table of contents tells

us on what page each chapter is a book begins.

A table of contents

tells us the main

topics or chapters in

a book.

Table of Contents

body………………..2

food…………...…..4

habitat……….…...5

life cycle………….6

Think about it…

In what ways can the Table of Contents help you find information quickly and efficiently?

Let’s Review

What is a Table of Contents?

A. A Table of Contents tells you what to expect for lunch today.

B. A Table of Contents is a list of new words at the end of a book.

C. A Table of Contents gives you information in pictures.

D. A Table of Contents tells you what the main chapters or topics are in a book.

X

XX

X

Working with the Table of Contents

Your job now…1. Choose a book on your topic from the basket.2. Write your name on the manila folder. Write ‘Table

of Contents’ on the sticky note.3. Find the Table of Contents in your book and place

your sticky note on that page.4. Browse the chapter headings and complete the

Table of Contents reflection sheet.5. Cut out and glue Table of Contents reflections in

your manila folder.6. Place your folder in your book and return your

book to the basket.

End of Lesson 1

More Informational Text Features

What are informational text features?

Today, you will learn about the Index. We will use the Index to locate information, and reflect on how it helps us as researchers.oWhat is an Index?oUsing the IndexoThinking about the Index

The Index

Where is the Index?

An index is at the end of a nonfiction book.

What is an Index?

Index

antennae 2colony 6eye 3food 4head 2jaw 3queen 6

An index tells us what page

has a specific topic.

An index is in ABC

order

Think about it…

How does an index help you as a researcher?

Let’s review!

What is an index?

A. An index tells you the meaning of new words you might not know in a book.

B. An index is at the end of a book.

C. An index tells you where to find specific information in a book.

D. Both B and C

X

XX

X

Working with the Index

Your job now…1. Retrieve your book from the basket.2. Write ‘Index’ on the sticky note.3. Find the Index in your book and place your sticky

note on that page.4. Browse the listings and complete the Index

reflection sheet.5. Cut out and glue Index reflections in your manila

folder.6. Place your folder in your book and return your

book to the basket.

You are on your way to becoming an Information Detective!

References

Lodge, Jessica. Nonfiction text features book [powerpoint download]. Retrieved from http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Nonfiction-Text-Features-Book-PowerPoint-511585

Clip art images from http://www.mycutegraphics.com/graphics/detective-images.html