Reading is one of the most fundamental skills that children learn in school. It is essential for academic success and life-long learning. In the early years of elementary school, students learn to read and comprehend a variety of texts, including fictional stories and informational texts. While fictional stories are often used in classrooms to engage students and promote literacy skills, informational texts are just as important, if not more so, in supporting students’ reading and learning. This article will explore the importance of informational texts for elementary students and provide examples of informational texts that can enhance reading and learning.
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Importance of Informational Texts for Elementary Students
Informational texts are non-fiction texts that provide information about a variety of topics, such as science, social studies, and history. These texts can include textbooks, articles, newspapers, magazines, and websites. Research has shown that informational texts are critical in developing students’ reading comprehension skills and content knowledge.
According to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts, students should be reading a balance of fiction and informational texts. The standards suggest that by the time students reach high school, they should be reading about 70% informational texts and 30% fictional stories. This shift in focus from fictional stories to informational texts prepares students for the academic demands of college and the workforce.
In addition to preparing students for academic and career success, informational texts are also valuable for developing critical thinking skills. Informational texts require students to analyze and evaluate information, identify main ideas and supporting details, and make connections between ideas. These skills are essential for academic success and are transferable to real-world situations.
Examples of Informational Texts for Elementary Students
There are many examples of informational texts that can enhance reading and learning for elementary students. Some examples include:
National Geographic Kids
National Geographic Kids is a magazine that provides information about science, animals, history, and culture in a child-friendly format. The magazine includes photographs, maps, and diagrams that help students understand complex concepts. National Geographic Kids also has a website that provides access to articles, videos, and games that support learning.
Time for Kids
Time for Kids is a news magazine that provides articles on current events and social issues in a child-friendly format. The articles are written at a level that is appropriate for elementary students and include photographs and illustrations to support understanding. Time for Kids also has a website that provides access to articles, videos, and activities that support learning.
Scholastic News
Scholastic News is a news magazine that provides articles on current events, science, social studies, and history in a child-friendly format. The magazine includes photographs, maps, and diagrams that help students understand complex concepts. Scholastic News also has a website that provides access to articles, videos, and activities that support learning.
Eyewitness Books
Eyewitness Books are a series of non-fiction books that provide information on a variety of topics, such as science, history, and nature. The books include photographs, illustrations, and diagrams that help students understand complex concepts. Eyewitness Books also provide additional resources, such as timelines, glossaries, and indexes, that support learning.
DK Find Out!
DK Find Out! is a website that provides information on a variety of topics, such as science, history, and nature. The website includes articles, videos, and quizzes that support learning. DK Find Out! also provides additional resources, such as photographs, illustrations, and diagrams, that help students understand complex concepts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, informational texts are essential for developing students’ reading comprehension skills and content knowledge. They are also valuable for developing critical thinking skills that are transferable to real-world situations. Examples of informational texts that can enhance reading and learning for elementary students include National Geographic Kids, Time for Kids, Scholastic News, Eyewitness Books, and DK Find Out!. These resources provide engaging and informative content in a child-friendly format, making it easier for students to understand complex concepts.
Teachers and parents can use these resources to supplement classroom instruction and support independent learning. By incorporating informational texts into their instruction, teachers can help students develop critical thinking skills, deepen their understanding of content, and prepare them for academic and career success.
In conclusion, it is crucial to incorporate a balance of fictional stories and informational texts into elementary students’ reading instruction. Informational texts are an excellent resource for enhancing reading and learning, developing critical thinking skills, and preparing students for academic and career success. Using the examples of informational texts provided in this article, teachers and parents can support their students’ learning and promote literacy skills.