10 Engaging Informational Text Activities for Elementary Students
Teaching informational text to elementary students can be challenging, but it is an essential skill for them to master. The ability to read and understand informational text is a crucial part of literacy development and is needed for success in all subject areas. Here are ten engaging activities that teachers can use to help students develop their informational text skills.
1. Create a Magazine
Have students create their own informational magazine on a topic of their choice. Encourage them to research and write articles on the topic, find images, and create layout designs. This activity not only teaches informational text skills but also encourages creativity and teamwork.
2. News Report
Have students create a news report on a current event. They can research the topic, write a script, and present their report to the class. This activity teaches students how to read and interpret current events, summarize information, and present it in an engaging way.
3. Fact or Opinion?
Have students read a piece of informational text and identify whether the statements presented are facts or opinions. This activity teaches students how to differentiate between the two and also helps them develop their critical thinking skills.
4. Graphic Organizers
Use graphic organizers such as Venn diagrams, spider webs, or flow charts to help students organize and summarize information from informational text. This activity not only teaches informational text skills but also helps develop visual thinking skills.
5. Research Journals
Have students keep a research journal where they record information they find while researching a topic. This activity teaches students how to read and take notes from informational text and organize that information.
6. Text Features Scavenger Hunt
Have students go on a scavenger hunt to find text features such as headings, subheadings, bolded or italicized text, and captions in informational text. This activity teaches students how to navigate informational text and locate important information.
7. Fact Cards
Have students create fact cards on a topic of their choice. They can research and write facts on one side of an index card and a corresponding image on the other. This activity teaches students how to take important information from informational text and also encourages creativity.
8. Infographics
Have students create infographics on a topic of their choice. They can research and present information visually using graphs, charts, or images. This activity teaches students how to present and interpret information in a compelling and engaging way.
9. Text Feature Analysis
Have students analyze the text features in informational text such as headings, subheadings, and captions, and discuss how they help readers understand the content. This activity teaches students how to use text features to comprehend and summarize informational text.
10. Read and Compare
Have students read two or more pieces of informational text on a similar topic and compare and contrast the information presented. This activity teaches students how to analyze and interpret informational text and also helps them develop their critical thinking skills.
In conclusion, these ten engaging activities can help elementary students develop their informational text skills and become proficient readers and learners. By incorporating fun and interactive activities into their lessons, teachers can create a love of learning and a strong foundation for future academic success.
