This document provides information about informational text features that help readers find information in nonfiction books. It focuses on the table of contents and index. The table of contents is at the beginning of the book and lists the main chapters or topics and the page numbers. The index is at the back of the book, is in alphabetical order, and lists specific topics and the pages where information about those topics can be found. The document guides students through activities to work with these features in their books and reflect on how they help with research.

1. Informational Text Features
Or, how to find what you’re looking for
Need to find
information?

2. What are Informational Text
Features?

3. What are
informational text features?
Nonfiction books have special parts called text features
that help us find information.
Today, you will learn about the Table of Contents. We will
use the Table of Contents to locate information, and
reflect on how it helps us as researchers.
o What is a Table of Contents?
o Using the Table of Contents
o Thinking about the Table of Contents

4. The Table of Contents

5. Where is the Table of Contents?
A table of contents is at the
beginning of a book.

6. What is a Table of Contents?
A table of
contents tells
us on what
page each
chapter is a
book begins.
A table of
contents
tells us the
main
topics or
chapters in
a book.
Table of Contents
body………………..2
food…………...…..4
habitat……….…...5
life cycle………….6

7. Think about it…
In what ways can the Table of
Contents help you find
information quickly and
efficiently?

8. Let’s Review

9. What is a Table of Contents?
A. A Table of Contents tells
you what to expect for
lunch today.
B. A Table of Contents is a
list of new words at the
end of a book.
C. A Table of Contents
gives you information in
pictures.
D. A Table of Contents tells
you what the main
chapters or topics are in a
book.
X
XX
X

10. Working with the
Table of Contents

11. Your job now…
1. Choose a book on your topic from the basket.
2. Write your name on the manila folder. Write ‘Table
of Contents’ on the sticky note.
3. Find the Table of Contents in your book and place
your sticky note on that page.
4. Browse the chapter headings and complete the
Table of Contents reflection sheet.
5. Cut out and glue Table of Contents reflections in
your manila folder.
6. Place your folder in your book and return your
book to the basket.

12. End of Lesson 1

13. More Informational Text Features

14. What are
informational text features?
Today, you will learn about the Index. We will use the
Index to locate information, and reflect on how it helps
us as researchers.
o What is an Index?
o Using the Index
o Thinking about the Index

15. The Index

16. Where is the Index?
An index is at the end of a
nonfiction book.

17. What is an Index?
Index
antennae 2
colony 6
eye 3
food 4
head 2
jaw 3
queen 6
An index tells
us what page
has a
specific
topic.
An index
is in ABC
order

18. Think about it…
How does an index help you as
a researcher?

19. Let’s review!

20. What is an index?
A. An index tells you the
meaning of new words you
might not know in a book.
B. An index is at the end of
a book.
C. An index tells you where
to find specific information
in a book.
D. Both B and C
X
XX
X

21. Working with the
Index

22. Your job now…
1. Retrieve your book from the basket.
2. Write ‘Index’ on the sticky note.
3. Find the Index in your book and place your sticky
note on that page.
4. Browse the listings and complete the Index
reflection sheet.
5. Cut out and glue Index reflections in your manila
folder.
6. Place your folder in your book and return your
book to the basket.

23. You are on
your way to
becoming an
Information
Detective!

24. References
Lodge, Jessica. Nonfiction text features book [powerpoint download]. Retrieved from
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Nonfiction-Text-Features-Book-
PowerPoint-511585
Clip art images from http://www.mycutegraphics.com/graphics/detective-images.html