Common Core: Helping Students Master Text Structure

Common Core: Helping Students
Master Text Structure
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Beach Ball Strategy
Sequence: to convey events or steps that must be presented in order
Have students write a paragraph describing the
sequence of how to blow up a beach ball.
Be sure to:
• Have them include all of the steps in order.
• Model the steps as they describe them.
• Insert signal words like “first, before, next, etc.”
Sequence and Timeline Example
Before playing with the beach ball, the sequence of preparing it must be
followed. First, the ball is taken out of the package and unfolded. Next, the thumb
and index finger pinch the nozzle of the beach ball. After that, a deep breath is
taken and air is blown through the nozzle into the ball. Remember to stop every
so often and take a deep breath. Once the ball is blown up, put the plug into the
nozzle and then push the nozzle down into the ball. Finally, the ball is ready to
toss around and play with!
Description: just to describe
Have students describe the characteristics of
the beach ball.
Be sure to:
• Have an extra ball ready if your class is large.
• Have students toss it GENTLY and then
explore it.
• Encourage students to use their senses.
• Discuss the signal words that should be used,
and have students rehearse with a partner out
loud.
Description Example
A beach ball is a three dimensional circle, or a sphere. It contains a plastic
smell, and it is very light, despite its size. Beach balls can vary in design,
but this one has large stripes of bright color. Beach balls can be easily
tossed, caught, kicked, and passed. Because of their large size once
blown up, they are easy to handle. Do be careful, because the light plastic
can snag on something sharp and pop.
Cause and Effect: to explain evidence of cause and effect
Have students write about the positive effects
of playing with the beach ball as a class.
Be sure to:
• Discuss as a class what it was like to play.
• Focus on the positive effects.
• Rehearse with a partner.
Cause and Effect Example
Playing with the beach ball as a group can cause positive effects. Just
doing something a little different creates positive feelings for the
participants. Everyone feels more awake with the movement, and happy to
be part of a group. Tossing and catching provide an opportunity to
experience many characteristics of the ball, such as what it feels like, how
it sounds, and how easy it is to pass back and forth. Finally, playing with
the ball is a fun experience that causes many students to enjoy the class
more than usual.
Problem and Solution: describe a problem, the solution and the steps to get there
Have students consider a possible problem
they might encounter with a beach ball and the
steps they would take to solve it.
Be sure to:
• Have students consider problems that could
happen.
• Brainstorm problems as a class.
• Have students write about one problem, steps
to solve it and a desired solution.
Problem and Solution Example
“Pop!” Imagine playing catch with a beach ball when out of nowhere a
dog runs up and catches it in his mouth. The ball now has a hole in it.
Some possible steps to solve this problem would be to get some duct
tape and cover the hole. If that doesn’t work, another possible solution
would be to use some liquid rubber and fill the hole. If all else fails, go to
the store and get another ball. After all, the desired solution is to
continue playing with the ball!
Compare and Contrast: to present likenesses and differences
Have students write a paragraph comparing a
beach ball to a hacky sack.
Be sure to:
• Explain how a hacky sack is traditional passed
from person to person.
• Allow students time to explore the hacky sack
with their senses.
• Give students the chance to process
information with a Venn diagram.
• Have students rehearse with a partner.
Compare and Contrast Example
While both the beach ball and the hacky sacks are spheres that people
play with, there are several differences. The beach ball is large, filled
with air, and very lightweight. On the other hand, the hacky sack is
small enough to fit inside a fist, it’s filled with beads, and it’s fairly
heavy for its size. It has a lot of mass. Both can be played in groups.
But the beach ball is usually tossed by hand, while the hacky sack is
generally kicked.
Argument & Evidence: to convince the reader to do or believe something
based on evidence
Have students rite a paragraph that argues
their position on which is better: a beach ball or
a hacky sack. They should support their
argument with evidence.
Be sure to:
• Brainstorm pros and cons as a class.
• Show examples of counter arguments.
Argument & Evidence Example
It is true that both a beach ball and a hacky sack are fun to play
with. But the beach ball is better because of its versatility and
ease. It can be folded up into a very small package and it’s
easy to transport in a pocket, backpack or purse. It’s easy to
blow up, so it can be used at the beach, at a park, inside or
outside. A hacky sack requires skill to catch and pass with a
foot, so a beach ball is much easier to play with. It can be
tossed, kicked, and it’s easy to catch. Some say that a hacky
sack provides more of a challenge. But the beauty of the beach
ball is that it can be played at all different levels, from simple to
advanced. As you can see, a beach ball is far superior to a
hacky sack.
Introduction to text structure
Other topics for paragraphs:
• riding a bike (vs. skate boarding)
• playing an instrument
• making cookies
• taking a trip to a location
• doing a chore
• walking a dog
Reading Non-fiction Text
1. Preview the text.
 Read the title
 Read the introduction
 Read the headings
2. Notice the special features/illustrations.
3. Predict what you’re going to read about.
4. Identify the text structure (based on author’s purpose).
5. Activate your schema.
6. Read –pay attention to:
 Special font styles
 Pronunciations
 Special Features
7. Re-check text structure.
8. Summarize/Retell important information (on paper or in your head).