Informational Text Structure - Nonfiction PowerPoint & Google Slides Mini Lesson

Colorful interactive organizers explain informational text structures with examples. This mini lesson, which is available as a PowerPoint presentation or Google Slides, explores five formats used for nonfiction writing. Additionally, kids learn common transition terms for each form.

Click the video preview to see how interactive organizers help kids conceptualize each text structure. Then open the preview to take a closer look at all of the parts.

First, students explore descriptions.

• Text and organizers illustrate how detail sentences offer parts of a whole in logical order. Furthermore, the author may use transition terms like for example or to illustrate.
• An example paragraph provides a set of fact.
• Following this, a colorful interactive shows kids how four details support the topic sentence.

Second, they learn about sequence texts, or chronologies.

• Words and organizers show that details are presented in time order and may be placed along a timeline.
• Again, they view a sample paragraph.
• The interactive graphic shows how events occur in time order and use dates and sequence words.

Third, kids consider compare and contrast text structures.

• Similarities and differences are demonstrated with a Venn diagram.
• After reading an example, the interactive arranges details in a Venn diagram too.
• Additionally, three slides show kids how the two parts of these informational paragraphs (compare and contrast) may be organized, as well as transition terms that may be used for each.

Fourth, students take a look at cause and effect nonfiction texts.

• A brief flow chart illustrates the format.
• The example also uses some dates (which usually indicate sequence), so the presentation pauses to discuss how to use the entire informational text to determine its structure.
• Kids learn that frequent use of words like cause, because, and effect will help them identify this format.
• Again, a moveable graphic organizer shows how details in the paragraph are organized.

Fifth, they explore nonfiction text structures that offer a problem and solution.

• A sample text offers an example.
• Kids learn that words like consequently, problem, solution finally, and so may be used in problem-solution texts.
• Again, an interactive organizer displays key components.

Finally, the PowerPoint or Google Slides presentation reviews and summarizes each text structure.

Resources can be used in a variety of ways.

• Whole class instruction
• Test prep
• Small group work, remediation, or tutoring
• Homework
• Sub plans
• Homeschool

Your third, fourth, or fifth grade students will love it – and you will too!

• The colorful interactive graphics catch kids’ attention.
• Examples of each text structure help them master nonfiction formats.
• The PowerPoint presentation addresses the intent of your standards. For example, if you teach CCSS RI.4.5 or RI.5.5, you can rest assured that students will be able to identify and compare the structure of events, ideas, concepts or information in a text.

Looking for more? The bundle also includes informational text structure graphic organizers, worksheets, and a sorting activity.

Enjoy teaching!

Brenda Kovich