The image is a promotional graphic for an educational resource titled "Times Square New Year's Informational Text Set." It features a vivid photograph of Times Square at night, bustling with bright neon signs, large billboards, and a crowd of people. In the foreground, the street is visible with cars and the glow of city lights. An orange text box on the upper part of the image outlines the key features of the resource, emphasizing that it contains "Standard-aligned articles to reinforce informational text skills" including "Central idea," "Text structure," "Vocabulary," and "Author’s Purpose." At the bottom, in a red highlighted area, the text reads "Print & Go! Grades 6-8," indicating the target educational level and ease of use. The overall design of the image suggests that the resource is intended to engage middle school students with articles about the iconic Times Square New Year's celebrations, enhancing their reading and comprehension skills in a vibrant, real-world context.
Teachers Pay TeachersNew Year 2024

Ringing in Learning: New Year’s Insights with Text Structures

Posted on by Ashly George

3…2…1… Happy New Year! As educators, we’re always searching for ways to illuminate the path of learning for our students, and what better time to shine a spotlight on reading comprehension than at the start of a new year? “New Year’s Insights: Informational Text Structure Set” offers an illuminating approach to teaching text structures through the vibrant lens of Times Square’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Why Focus on One Topic for Different Text Structures?

Concentrating on one theme, such as Times Square on New Year’s Eve, allows students to dissect how different text structures present information uniquely. Just as Times Square takes on different hues, so too does information when organized through various lenses—descriptive, chronological, cause and effect, and more. This focus helps students discern the purpose behind an author’s choice of structure and enhances their analytical skills.

Using “New Year’s Insights” in Your Classroom

This resource seamlessly blends into any middle school ELA curriculum, aligning with STAAR and other standardized tests. Here’s how you can integrate it into your lessons:

  • Introduction to Text Structures: Kick off with the Google Slides presentation provided. It’s a springboard into the world of text structures, designed to be interactive and accessible for all learners.
  • Dive into Rich Content: Engage students with the five articles centered around Times Square’s celebrations. These articles will not only inform but also captivate with their variety, creating a tapestry of knowledge about a single event.
  • Identify Text Structures: As students read, have them use the graphic organizer to note key elements that define each text structure. This hands-on approach solidifies their understanding and equips them with the skills to navigate complex texts.
  • Discuss and Reflect: Use the detailed answer keys to facilitate class discussions on each article’s questions. Encourage students to delve into the reasoning behind each answer, fostering a classroom culture of inquiry and debate.

The Benefits of Cross-Curricular Learning

“New Year’s Insights” isn’t just an ELA resource; it’s a cross-curricular goldmine. Students will explore history, culture, environmental science, and more. To make these connections clear, consider these extra activities:

  • Social Studies:
    • Historical Research: Students can research the history of the Times Square Ball Drop, including its origins, significance, and how it reflects changes in technology and culture over time.
    • Global Traditions Comparison: Compare and contrast New Year’s Eve traditions around the world, understanding cultural significance and historical origins.
  • Math:
    • Countdown Calculations: Task students with calculating the rate of descent of the ball and what mathematical principles dictate the timing of the drop.
    • Geometric Analysis: Students can examine the geometric design of the ball, exploring concepts like symmetry, surface area, and volume based on its size and structure.
  • Science:
    • Physics of the Drop: Explore the physics behind the ball drop, discussing concepts such as gravity, friction, and kinetic energy.
    • Light and Energy: Investigate the energy required to light the ball, the types of bulbs used, and the principles of light energy and electricity.

This multidisciplinary approach mirrors the real-world complexity of issues and events, preparing students for a future where interconnectivity is the norm.

Test Prep with a Twist

Standardized tests can be daunting, but with this resource, test prep becomes an adventure. The multiple-choice questions accompanying each article are tailored to mimic the format of standardized tests, offering students a practice ground that is both relevant and engaging. Students can use their strategies to help eliminate incorrect answers, justify correct choices, and discuss their thinking with a teammate. 

Activities to Take Beyond the Lesson

Once the lesson on text structures is complete, consider these additional activities to extend learning:

  • Creative Writing Exercise: Have students write their own short article about Times Square using a different text structure than the ones they’ve studied.
  • Research and Presentation: Assign a project where students research New Year’s Eve celebrations around the world, comparing and contrasting them with Times Square.
  • Debate Club: Host a classroom debate on the environmental impact of large-scale events like Times Square’s New Year’s Eve celebration, using the Problem and Solution article as a starting point.

New Year’s Informational Text Set: Structure, Central Idea, Author’s Purpose! (teacherspayteachers.com)

Check out these other New Year 2024 ELA lesson plans:

Cheers To the New Year: Crafting Memorable Toasts (toobookedup.com)

Start 2024 with a Year in Review Student Led Project (toobookedup.com)