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If you teach reading in upper elementary, you’ve probably introduced text features more than once. Headings, captions, bold words, and diagrams pop up all over nonfiction texts—but that doesn’t always mean students notice or understand them. One way to make these features stick? Use anchor chart text features during your lessons. Anchor charts are a powerful visual tool, and when they highlight key text features, they can help students connect what they see in the book to what they’re learning in class.
In this post, we’ll explain anchor chart text features, why they’re helpful, and how to use them effectively with your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade students.
Anchor chart text features are classroom charts that visually explain the different parts of a nonfiction text. These charts typically show examples of features like headings, subheadings, captions, diagrams, bold print, glossaries, and more. They’re used to anchor students’ thinking, helping them identify and understand how these features support comprehension.
While it’s common to introduce text features through a slideshow or handout, creating and displaying an anchor chart allows students to reference the information all year long. Plus, making the chart together as a class gives students ownership over their learning—they’re more likely to remember something they helped create.
Upper elementary students are often expected to read more complex nonfiction texts across content areas, from science and social studies to language arts. These texts rely heavily on features to communicate information. Students who don’t understand how to use text features may miss key details or become confused.
That’s where anchor chart text features come in. A good anchor chart gives students a visual reference they can use during independent reading, partner work, or group lessons. It reminds them what each feature is called, what it looks like, and how it helps them as readers.
For example, a student reading a science article might see a diagram but not realize its purpose. If your anchor chart includes a labeled diagram with an explanation (“Diagrams help readers understand how something works”), that student can make the connection independently.
There’s no single way to create an anchor chart, but here are a few methods that work well with upper elementary students:
Create a large chart with text features listed on one side and their purposes or definitions on the other. Include real examples by cutting out pages from old magazines, science books, or printed web articles. For each feature—like a caption or bolded word—glue the sample onto the chart and discuss how it supports the text.
Example features to include:
This chart type works well for introducing features at the beginning of the year.
Instead of making the whole chart yourself, involve your students. After introducing a few text features, assign pairs or small groups to find examples in nonfiction books. Have them label their examples and add them to the class anchor chart. This gives students a reason to engage with the text and reinforces their understanding of the feature.
You can even rotate roles—some groups might draw the feature, others write definitions, and others explain how the feature helps the reader.
If you don’t have a lot of display space, try creating mini anchor chart text features in student notebooks. Each student can have their chart to refer to during reading time. You might start with a foldable or template, then add new features as you go through the unit.
This option is great for test prep, small group work, or literacy stations, mainly if you teach multiple reading groups at different levels.
Once your anchor chart is up and running, it’s essential to use it. Here are a few ways to weave it into your regular lessons:
Like anything in the classroom, anchor charts are most helpful when updated and referred to regularly. If your chart gets overlooked, try refreshing it with new examples, adding sticky notes from student observations, or moving it to a more visible part of the room.
You can also switch things up with seasonal themes or connect them to current units of study. For example, if you’re working on a science unit about the human body, use accurate diagrams and captions from your science materials to make the chart more relevant.
Students who understand how to use text features become stronger readers and more confident learners. Using anchor chart text features as part of your instruction gives them a consistent and reliable reference point to build those skills. Whether you make a giant class chart, use student notebooks, or create small group versions, anchor charts can transform how your students interact with nonfiction texts.
So next time you plan a nonfiction reading unit, don’t forget to include anchor chart text features as a core part of your instruction. Your students—and their reading comprehension—will thank you!
For more classroom activities and tips, check out these posts:
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