Title: Reading Comprehension (Novels & Information Texts)
Grade Level: Year 5
Objective:
- Students will be able to identify key elements of novels and information texts.
- Students will use strategies to comprehend and discuss what they read.
- Students will compare and contrast novels and information texts.
Materials Needed:
- Copies of a chosen novel excerpt (appropriate for Year 5)
- Copies of selected information text (appropriate for Year 5)
- Chart paper and markers
- Reading Comprehension Worksheets
- Highlighters, pencils, notebooks
Duration: 60 minutes
Lesson Plan:
1. **Introduction (10 minutes)**
- Start with a brief discussion on the difference between novels and information texts.
- Ask students: “What do you think makes a story different from an article?”
- Discuss elements such as narrative versus factual content, length, structure, and purpose.
2. **Direct Instruction (10 minutes)**
- Introduce the key elements of novels: setting, characters, plot, conflict, and resolution.
- Introduce the key elements of information texts: headings, subheadings, facts, diagrams, captions, and keywords.
3. **Guided Reading (20 minutes)**
- Divide the class into two groups.
- Group 1 will read the excerpt from the novel.
- Group 2 will read the selected information text.
- Provide each group with highlighters and ask them to highlight key elements in their texts.
- As they read, they should also fill out the Reading Comprehension Worksheets provided (questions about the text, main idea, supporting details).
4. **Group Discussion (10 minutes)**
- Have students within each group discuss their findings and fill out a chart on posters:
- For the novel: Characters, Setting, Plot, Conflict, Resolution
- For the information text: Main Idea, Important Facts, Diagrams/Captions, Keywords
- After group discussion, have each group present their chart to the entire class.
5. **Comparison Activity (5 minutes)**
- Lead a whole-class discussion comparing the two types of texts.
- Create a Venn diagram on the board and have students help fill it in with similarities and differences between novels and information texts.
6. **Independent Practice (5 minutes)**
- Ask students to write a short paragraph in their notebooks about which type of text they prefer reading and why.
- Encourage them to use examples from the texts they read today.
7. **Closure (5 minutes)**
- Summarize the lesson by reviewing key points about the elements of novels and information texts.
- Quickly discuss the importance of reading both types of texts to develop a well-rounded set of reading skills.
**Assessment:**
- Active participation in group discussions and Venn diagram activity.
- Quality and completeness of Reading Comprehension Worksheets.
- Quality of the paragraph written about their preference.
**Extension Activities:**
- Homework: Read a chapter from the novel or an additional article and complete a new comprehension worksheet.
- Have students write their own short story or informational article to present to the class.
This lesson plan introduces Year 5 students to the distinct features and purposes of novels and information texts, enhances their reading comprehension skills, and encourages them to become active, analytical readers.