
Text Feature Treasure Hunt
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design and create an engaging board game that effectively teaches third graders about different text features and their uses in informational texts?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do text features help us understand informational texts?
- What are the different types of text features and their purposes?
- How can we use text features to locate information quickly and efficiently?
- How can we create a game that effectively teaches others about text features?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to identify and explain the purpose of various text features (e.g., headings, subheadings, bold print, captions, diagrams, glossaries, and indexes) found in informational texts.
- Students will be able to effectively use text features to locate specific information within a text.
- Students will design and create a board game that incorporates the use of text features and demonstrates their understanding of how they aid comprehension.
- Students will collaborate effectively with peers to design, develop, and test their board game.
Common Core State Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Mysterious Box
Students encounter a mysterious locked box filled with intriguing objects related to a specific text. They must use text features like headings, captions, and diagrams to unlock the box and discover its hidden message, sparking curiosity about the power of these features.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Text Feature Explorers
Students will explore various informational texts and identify different text features. They will categorize and label these features, explaining their purpose and how they aid in understanding the text.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA categorized list of text features with definitions and examples from real texts.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.5 (Use text features and search tools to locate information efficiently)Feature-Packed Paragraphs
Students will create informational paragraphs on a chosen topic, integrating specific text features to enhance clarity and organization.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityShort informational paragraphs incorporating a variety of text features.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.5, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.2 (Write informative/explanatory texts to convey ideas clearly)Board Game Builders
Students will work in small groups to design and create a prototype of their text features board game.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA playable prototype of the board game, including game board, rules, and game pieces.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.5, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.2, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.1 (Engage effectively in collaborative discussions)Game Show Showcase
Students will present their final board game to the class, explaining how it effectively teaches text features.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA completed, playable board game centered around identifying and using text features and a presentation explaining the design choices.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.5, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.2, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.1Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioText Features Board Game Rubric
Understanding and Application of Text Features
Evaluates the student's ability to identify, define, and apply text features effectively in their board game.Identification of Text Features
Ability to identify and explain various text features accurately.
Exemplary
4 PointsIdentifies all major text features with comprehensive explanations and multiple examples.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies most text features correctly with clear explanations and examples.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some text features but with incomplete explanations or examples.
Beginning
1 PointsIdentifies few text features with limited explanations or examples.
Application in Game Design
Use of text features in the game design to enhance player understanding.
Exemplary
4 PointsEffectively incorporates a wide variety of text features that significantly enhance gameplay and comprehension.
Proficient
3 PointsIncorporates several text features that enhance gameplay and player understanding.
Developing
2 PointsUses text features inconsistently, with some improvement to player understanding.
Beginning
1 PointsUses few text features with little to no impact on player understanding.
Game Design and Creativity
Assesses the creativity and clarity of the game design.Innovation in Game Mechanics
Originality and creativity in the design of game mechanics and theme.
Exemplary
4 PointsExhibits highly creative and original game mechanics and themes that are well thought-out and engaging.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents creative and original game mechanics and themes that are engaging and clear.
Developing
2 PointsDisplays some creativity in mechanics and themes, though unevenly developed.
Beginning
1 PointsLacks creativity in mechanics and themes, resulting in a straightforward or uninspired game.
Clarity of Instructions
Clarity and understandability of the game's instructions and rules.
Exemplary
4 PointsInstructions are exceptionally clear, comprehensive, and facilitate easy gameplay.
Proficient
3 PointsInstructions are clear and understandable, supporting smooth gameplay.
Developing
2 PointsInstructions are somewhat clear but may cause confusion during gameplay.
Beginning
1 PointsInstructions are unclear or incomplete, causing difficulty in gameplay understanding.
Aesthetic Appeal
Visual attractiveness and organizational quality of the game components.
Exemplary
4 PointsGame components are visually appealing and exceptionally well-organized, enhancing player engagement.
Proficient
3 PointsGame components are visually pleasing and well-organized, contributing positively to the experience.
Developing
2 PointsGame components have some visual appeal but may lack cohesion or organization.
Beginning
1 PointsGame components lack visual appeal and organization, detracting from engagement.
Collaboration and Presentation Skills
Assessment of student's collaboration during game development and presentation skills.Collaboration
Effectiveness in working individually and as part of a group to complete the project.
Exemplary
4 PointsWorks exceptionally well with peers, demonstrating leadership and valuing diverse perspectives.
Proficient
3 PointsWorks well with peers, contributing effectively and showing respect for diverse opinions.
Developing
2 PointsParticipates in group work, but may need occasional guidance in collaboration.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles with collaboration, requiring support and guidance.
Presentation of the Game
Ability to present the game and articulate the purpose and function of text features used.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents the game with clarity and confidence, effectively explaining the role of text features in an engaging manner.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents the game clearly, explaining the role of text features adequately.
Developing
2 PointsPresentation is basic; may struggle to clearly explain text features' roles.
Beginning
1 PointsPresentation is unclear and does not effectively convey game elements and text features.