Overview

This 5-day lesson plan is designed to teach 3rd grade students how to use text features to locate information efficiently in nonfiction texts, aligning with Common Core RI.3.5: “Use text features and search tools (e.g., key words, sidebars, hyperlinks) to locate information relevant to a given topic efficiently.” Lessons are based on i-Ready Curriculum Lesson 10 and use a gradual release model (I do, We do, You do). Each day runs 25 minutes for 15 students.

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Standards Addressed

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.5
  Use text features and search tools to locate information relevant to a given topic efficiently.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.1
  Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.7
  Use information gained from illustrations and words in a text to demonstrate understanding.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the week, students will be able to:

• Identify different nonfiction text features (headings, captions, index, glossary, diagrams, etc.).
• Use text features to answer specific questions about a text efficiently.
• Demonstrate the ability to navigate nonfiction texts using text features independently.

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Success Criteria

Students will demonstrate success when they:

• Can name at least 5 nonfiction text features.
• Locate answers to who, what, where, when, why, and how questions quickly using appropriate text features.
• Explain how a specific text feature helped them find information.
• Complete a short quiz/activity independently applying these skills.

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Accommodations

• For English Language Learners (ELL): Provide visuals/labels with text feature names. Use bilingual dictionaries or word banks. Model with think-alouds more thoroughly.
• For students with learning disabilities: Provide graphic organizers to map text features. Pair with peer buddies for collaborative reading.
• For advanced students: Challenge them to compare multiple nonfiction texts on the same topic and evaluate the usefulness of different text features. Encourage them to create their own nonfiction page with appropriate features.

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Day 1: Introduction to Text Features

Objective

I can identify nonfiction text features.

Materials

• Picture book or nonfiction text with clear text features (e.g., headings, captions, diagrams)
• Chart paper/whiteboard
• Visual anchor chart of text features

Activities

Time	Activity	Details
5 min	I Do - Introduction	Teacher introduces what nonfiction means. Introduce 5 common text features with visuals: table of contents, headings, captions, diagrams, glossary. Model pointing these out in text while reading aloud.
10 min	We Do - Guided Practice	Read a short nonfiction text together. Teacher prompts: “Where can we find the definition of a hard word?” “What does a caption tell us here?” Students point and name text features. Update anchor chart.
7 min	You Do - Independent Practice	Students pick one text feature from the anchor chart and draw a picture of it, labeling its function in one sentence.
3 min	Reflection	Students share how text features help them understand nonfiction better. Revisit success criteria.

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Day 2: Using Text Features to Find Info

Objective

I can use text features to answer questions.

Materials

• Nonfiction passage with text features
• Question cards (who, what, where, why, how)
• Graphic organizer (simple 3-column chart): Question / Text Feature Used / Answer

Activities

Time	Activity	Details
5 min	I Do - Model	Teacher reads question aloud. Think-aloud using text features to find the answer quickly (e.g., “Let’s check the index for this word”). Model marking text features.
12 min	We Do - Guided Practice	In pairs, students pick question cards and find answers using text features. Fill chart as a class on whiteboard. Teacher provides prompts.
6 min	You Do - Independent	Students answer 1–2 questions independently using text features and complete their graphic organizer.
2 min	Wrap-Up	Review how text features helped answer questions efficiently.

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Day 3: Deeper Dive – Index & Glossary

Objective

I can efficiently use the index and glossary.

Materials

• Nonfiction book with index and glossary
• Scavenger hunt worksheet with target words

Activities

Time	Activity	Details
5 min	I Do - Introduction	Explain what an index and glossary are. Show examples and model looking up a word in index and then glossary.
10 min	We Do - Group Activity	Students practice finding 3 words in index and then glossary with teacher assistance. Use think-pair-share: Why is the glossary helpful?
7 min	You Do - Independent Practice	Scavenger hunt: Students use index and glossary to answer 3 questions on worksheet.
3 min	Review	Discuss strategies used. Relate to success criteria for the week.

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Day 4: Combining Features

Objective

I can combine text features to understand a text better.

Materials

• Nonfiction article with multiple text features
• Venn diagram graphic organizer

Activities

Time	Activity	Details
5 min	I Do - Model thinking aloud	Show how to combine text features — e.g., use heading + diagram + caption to understand a topic.
12 min	We Do - Partner Activity	Students read a passage together and fill in Venn diagram comparing info from images and text features. Teacher guides input.
6 min	You Do - Independent	Write a sentence explaining how two text features helped understand the text.
2 min	Reflection	Quick share out.

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Day 5: Applying & Assessing Mastery

Objective

I can demonstrate understanding of text features to find information.

Materials

• Short nonfiction passage with features
• Exit ticket quiz (5 questions requiring use of text features)

Activities

Time	Activity	Details
5 min	Quick review of success criteria	Revisit learning goals and anchor chart.
15 min	Assessment	Students read passage and answer exit ticket questions individually, identifying text features used per question.
5 min	Celebration & Advancing Practice	Review answers together. For advanced students, challenge to create a mini nonfiction page on a topic using at least 4 text features. Provide time if possible or assign as homework.

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Additional Teacher Tips

• Use think-alouds strategically to model how readers use text features dynamically.
• Encourage students to think of nonfiction books they know and the features they include.
• Use timers to help students learn pacing for locating information efficiently.
• Incorporate movement by having students “be the text feature” and act out functions.
• Use varied nonfiction topics to build background knowledge and interest.

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This detailed, standards-aligned plan featuring gradual release helps 3rd graders master RI.3.5 through engaging, scaffolded activities, including accommodations and enrichment options to support all learners and push advanced students.