Teaching text structure to my students has always been exciting to me.

Alright, teaching any reading strategy to my students is always exciting to me.

What is text structure?

The text structure is how the author organizes their text. In fifth-grade, I teach four different text structures: compare/contrast, cause and effect, sequential, and problem and solution. However, there are many more to be learned, but as far as state standards go, I only need to teach the four common text structures to my fifth-graders.

Why is teaching Text Structure Important?

By identifying text structures it allows the students to really dive deep into the text and encourages them to critically think about what the author is trying to convey to them as readers. It’s almost like a game to my students. Also, it significantly helps with comprehension and it allows my students to make connections with the text. Once identifying the text structure, students can make a summary without an issue. It’s a win, win for all.

How to Teach Text Structure

1. I introduce the four text structures to my students briefly on day one.
2. I teach first of the text structures in great depth by sharing the anchor chart for a couple of days
3. I introduce the keywords that signify the type of text structure being used and students must be able to identify the keywords on why they believe the author is using a certain text structure.
4.  We practice by reading several different examples where the author is using that particular text structure and students complete a graphic organizer.
5. Students must be able to identify what exactly is the author conveying. For example, if the text structure is a problem and solution the student must be able to explain what the problem and solution are in that particular text. If they can’t identify, their text structure is probably not correct. This is key in mastering the state exams.
6. I repeat the process for the next text structure.

I created text structure anchor charts and graphic organizers for my fifth-graders. The anchor charts will fit in their reading notebooks. Each anchor chart and graphic organizer are both in color or black and white. So pick what’s best for your students.

Take a peek at the Text Structure Anchor Charts and Graphic Organizers

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