Looking at Graphics

Here is a quick look at one way to introduce graphics, how to read and interpret them, and how they fit into a piece of nonfiction - the job they do (purpose). Encourage students to use graphics when they write nonfiction text whenever it's appropriate.

• Display only the graphics of the piece of nonfiction text on an overhead, PowerPoint, poster, or chart paper.
• Model how to read the graphics, noting the key words and phrases.
• Ask students to list the ideas they anticipate the author will cover in the text (predictions).
• Read the text of the piece together – aloud.
• Using the students’ list of anticipated ideas, abandon those that are not found or answered within the body of the text.
• Assimilate or accommodate ideas the author does address into the list.
• Review the list of revised information found in the text.
• Point out to students that these ideas are the essential information or main ideas presented.
• Review the steps of this strategy minilesson: Anticipate, Actively read, Abandon, Assimilate and Accommodate.