Grade 2 · English language arts · 20 minutes
Use text features
Show a short animal book with a title, headings, caption and simple index. Headings, captions, and indexes help readers find information.
Mr. S Teaches · Starter mini-lesson · elem-2-use-text-featuresLearning objective
Explain and practice use text features using the activity and evidence, then show the reasoning behind an answer.
Gather your materials
- Paper and pencil or dictation support
- The short text provided in this lesson
- Optional drawing supplies
Use the items named in the teaching steps; paper models or adult-prepared photographs can replace physical equipment.
Common Core skill focus
RI.2.5Use informational text features to find facts efficiently.
Read the official standard ↗Code and grade verified 2026-11-03. This mini-lesson addresses a selected skill, not the entire standard.
Teach it step by step
- Show a short animal book with a title, headings, caption and simple index.
- Model finding a food fact under a Food heading.
- Have the learner locate another fact using a feature.
- Make a mini-book and explain how its features help a reader.
Watch, notice, discuss
Video choices for this lesson
Preview a video, then choose what fits your learners. “Show to class” opens a larger view; use the player’s play and full-screen controls when you’re ready.
Teacher preview needed. Check the language, level and length before showing. YouTube may show ads or related videos.
Nonfiction Text Features | Captions, Headings, Glossaries | 2nd Grade | eSpark Instructional Video
By eSpark
Connect this video to the lesson on use text features. Pause to try an example together.
Open on YouTube: Nonfiction Text Features | Captions, Headings, Glossaries | 2nd Grade | eSpark Instructional Video (opens a new tab) ↗How to teach Nonfiction Text Features // Nonfiction text features for kids
By Susan Jones Teaching
Teacher demonstration: select one text-feature strategy to model with a book.
Open on YouTube: How to teach Nonfiction Text Features // Nonfiction text features for kids (opens a new tab) ↗Which text feature would help you find a particular fact? Explain your choice.
An external player loads only after you choose Preview or Show to class. Playback connects to YouTube. Videos belong to their creators; availability and embedding can change.
Make the thinking visible
Example to work through together
An index entry Food, 3 sends us to page 3; the Food heading confirms the section. A caption explains the picture beside it.
Try the starter activity
Make a mini animal book with headings and captions.
Student practice
Create two labeled pages about an animal, then trade books and locate one requested fact using a feature.
Quick check for understanding
Where would you look for a page about food?
Sample answer and teacher guidance
Sample answer: Under a relevant heading or in the index.
Listen or look for: Look for efficient use of a heading, caption or index to locate a fact, not just decorative labels.
Invite the learner to explain, demonstrate, draw or dictate their reasoning. Revisit a teaching step when the explanation is unclear.
Make it work for your learner
A little more support
Use sticky notes to mark the two sections.
An additional challenge
Explain which feature works best for locating one word versus understanding a picture.