Previewing the Text

This strategy lesson explores the power of previewing informational text for big ideas before reading to support comprehension.

Lesson Sequence:

1. Discuss the role and importance of visuals in nonfiction.
2. Use the comprehension tool:  Survey the Text to record questions and connections made while previewing the visual information in the text.
3. Record predictions of the BIG IDEAS in the text.
4. Unmask the print to read and confirm/refine BIG IDEAS.
5. Students can write about or discuss their understandings.

TEXT SLIDE SHOW:  The Big Fitz by Jack Edwards

Resources for Teaching Nonfiction

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Comments

[Mike Wagner]

"the role and importance of visuals in nonfiction"

The line above really resonated with me.

When I speak and present my clients often ask me for handouts and suggest that all they need is my PowerPoint slides and they will use them for the handout.

And then I have to explain that my PowerPoint slides utlilize a lot of visuals.

Many adult learners are trained to expect a text heavy presentations and have lost sight of the importance visual aspect of learning.

Thanks for sharing your guidelines. While my I may be a bit outside the categories you were thinking of, I see lots of value here.

Question: what do you mean when you write of "unmasking the print"?

Keep creating,
Mike

[Angela Maiers]

Hey Mike,
Pictures really are worth 1000 words! Images are much more than decoration for print and are critical to learning in the 21st century.

Your question is so great, that I wanted to post the answer. Thanks so much for your insight and perspective. I look forward to carrying on the conversation.