Teaching Nonfiction Text Features

Normally, I wait until later in the year to teach identifying nonfiction text features.  This year may require me to teach it early and and often throughout the year.

So I decided to compile all the best resources I've found to date in one PowerPoint.  Most of the slides in this PowerPoint are customizable, with the exception of the task cards at the end. It includes the following:
~Teaching how to find "cloudy" and "don't know" words
~Using fix-up strategies to figure out "cloudy" and "don't know" words
~A nonfiction text feature scavenger hunt
~Textmapping
~Newspaper/Magazine Center task cards

You can pick up a free copy at my TpT store by clicking here.

What do you use to teach nonfiction text features?  Do you teach them in other subjects besides reading?  I'd love to hear your ideas!

James and the Giant Peach by Raold Dahl

One of my favorite books by one of my favorite authors.

I read this with my class every year towards the end.  When we write our letters to the upcoming fourth graders to tell them our "favorites" of the year, this book is often included in many students' letters.

So, when I came across the comprehension guide written by the Wise Guys on TPT, I had to download it. 

Get your own for FREE at http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/James-and-the-Giant-Peach-Reading-Comprehension-Guide-KEY-33-pgs.  I will use it for literature circles after we've read it as a class.

Not to be forgotten, the movie.  This is one of the few movies we watch to go along with books we've read.  It's more of a "we made it through the year and we deserve a break" kind of things.  I find that the movie sticks fairly closely to the book, so I can justify it.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane By Kate DiCamillo

I've been wanting to read this book with my class for a long time.  Unfortunately, my school library only has 2 copies (definitely not enough for my class of 21).

So, I'll be working on that with my Scholastic points.  You know, the points for free books you get when you make an order thorough Scholastic books. 

In the meantime, I found this really cool and absolutely FREE comprehension guide by the Wise Guys on TPT.    BONUS: it includes an answer key at the end!

Download it for yourself at http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Miraculous-Journey-of-Edward-Tulane-Comprehension-Guide-KEY

I plan to use it in literature circles.  I'll probably read the book aloud to students first and then have them break into small groups to answer the questions and complete the activities.

P.S. The Wise Guys have a TON of other comprehension guides.