10 Engaging Informational Text Lesson Plans for Middle School Students
As educators, we all know the importance of providing students with engaging and meaningful learning experiences. One effective way to do this is through the use of informational text. Not only does this type of text expose students to new topics and ideas, but it also helps develop their critical thinking and analysis skills. In this article, we’ll explore 10 engaging informational text lesson plans that are perfect for middle school students.
1. Current Event Articles
One great way to introduce students to informational text is through the use of current event articles. These articles can come from a variety of sources, such as newspapers, magazines, or online news outlets. The key is to choose articles that are relevant to students’ lives and that they can connect with. For example, a story about climate change or social justice issues could spark meaningful discussions and critical thinking activities.
2. Biographies
Biographies are another excellent way to introduce students to informational text. Middle schoolers are often fascinated by the lives of famous people, and biographical texts allow them to learn about historical figures, inventors, artists, and more. Plus, biographies can also help students develop empathy and understanding as they learn about the struggles and triumphs of others.
3. Science and Nature Texts
Middle school is the perfect time to introduce students to science and nature texts. These texts can include books, articles, and even documentaries that explore topics such as space, animals, plants, and the environment. By engaging with these texts, students develop a greater appreciation for the natural world and the scientific method.
4. Historical Documents
Another way to engage middle school students with informational text is through historical documents. These could include primary source documents, such as letters, diaries, and speeches, or secondary sources such as textbooks and histories. Reading and analyzing these texts can help students develop critical thinking and analysis skills, as well as an appreciation for the complexities of history.
5. Graphic Novels and Comics
While some may think that graphic novels and comics are not “serious” enough for informational text, the truth is that they can be incredibly engaging and informative. Many graphic novels and comics cover complex topics such as social justice, politics, and science in fun and engaging ways. Plus, the visual nature of these texts can help support struggling readers and students who struggle with traditional text-based learning.
6. Textbooks and Academic Journals
While textbooks and academic journals may not seem like the most exciting reads, they can be incredibly informative and engaging when paired with interesting topics and conversation. Middle school students are the perfect age to start exploring academic texts, and with the variety of topics that exist within these fields of study, there is sure to be something that will pique their interest.
7. Public Service Announcements
Public service announcements (PSAs) are short videos or audio clips that are designed to inform and educate the public about important issues. Middle school students can learn a lot from these resources, and analyzing and discussing their messages can help them develop critical thinking and analysis skills. Plus, PSAs can be incredibly engaging and fun, which is always a plus when it comes to educational materials.
8. Entrepreneurial Texts
Some students may be interested in entrepreneurship, and linking up with informational texts can lead to great success. Texts can talk about the success stories and failures of other individuals. This aids in seeing different approaches in overcoming problems.
9. Social Media Posts
Social media is an integral part of most middle school students’ lives as they are increasingly being immersed in technology. Using social media to find texts on different topics can help to encourage team management, creativity, and critical thinking outside of the structured setting of a classroom, and truly inspire them to create creative informational text.
10. Personal Narratives
Last but not least are personal narratives. Encouraging students to analyze their own experiences and understand how others experience problems empowers them to develop strong reading and writing skills when working with informational text. Using personal narratives in the classroom can establish relatability and encourage connection. Personal narratives will stimulate creative, problem-solving minds to develop informational text that truly engages.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a variety of ways to engage and challenge middle school students using informational text. Using these 10 lesson plans as a foundation, educators can pique their students’ interests and develop their critical thinking and analytical skills. From current events to personal narratives, incorporating relevant information into classroom discussion and analysis can ultimately promote lifelong learning and encourage a curiosity for the world around us.
