Get your students to hoot and holler over informational text with a shared research unit. In my classroom, I created Owls Are A Hoot: An Informational Text Unit to engage students in rigorous, complex text. Before the unit, I gathered a variety of leveled informational text sources, purchased owl pellets, and created cute owl folders to hold student work. I also set up an owl research center as part of our daily reading rotations. Here’s how you can incorporate shared research into your classroom too:
How to Use Informational Text
Start with a KWL: Before starting the unit, brainstorm a list of questions and record on a KWL. This activates background knowledge and sets the purpose for research. My students used a foldable KWL owl; after completion, I hung them on the bulletin board to look like they were flying.
Create guided reading research groups: During guided reading time, organize students into groups of 4-5 and present a wide range of informational text. During our study, I provided a variety of owl informational text sources including brochures, books, poems, and magazine articles. The sources provided were at a variety of levels–most were at students’ instructional level, but I also included more challenging text to increase stamina and push students to read complex text. I’ve found that when students read high-interest text, they are motivated to tackle difficult text, even if it is slightly above their level.
During the guided reading groups, students read to find answers to their owl questions, citing textual evidence and recording on Post-Its or an appropriate graphic organizer.
Integrate writing: Encourage students to share their answers in a written format such as a report, research mural, poem, or poster. During our unit, students recorded their information on an owl report template. In this template, students wrote one specific fact per feather. Students edited and published their own owl report, adding craft feathers and googly eyes after completion.
Synthesize science: Informational text studies are the perfect opportunity for cross-curricular integration. In our science period, students worked in groups of 2 to dissect an owl pellet. They formed hypotheses, discussed observations, and recorded conclusions in their own Owl Pellet Investigation Book. I gave them ‘lab coats’ (a.k.a. men’s white button down dress shirts) to wear during the investigation which they absolutely loved!
Incorporate functional text and food: Find a recipe for a theme-based snack or a craft project to use as a culminating activity. Students love these and they provide an opportunity to read functional text.
For my owl unit, students read a recipe to make owl pellet snack bags. They measured a variety of ingredients and mixed in a plastic sandwich bag. They colored an owl topper and stapled to the top along with the recipe.
See pictures of my Owl Are A Hoot: An Informational Text Unit here. I’d love to hear your informational text and shared research ideas!
About the Author
Jessica Murphy and Jennifer Zoglman are founders of Astute Hoot: Tools for the Wise Teacher. With a combined total of almost 30 years experience in early childhood and special education classroom teaching, early literacy research, and teacher coaching, they joined forces with Jennifer’s sister, Tina, an award-winning graphic designer, to create a dynamic cast of reading and math strategy animals. The strategy animals made their way into a group of targeted teaching and learning tools that have contributed to the creation of proficient readers and mathematicians in classrooms across the country! Check out their blog: www.astutehoot.com to see how they awaken the joy of learning in all students!