Wild ways to gather facts and take on topics

Key stage 1 (P1-3) pupils can practise how to find information quickly and efficiently, as well as learn about a variety of topics in the curriculum in the “information texts” collection of resources from TESiboard.

The interactive information texts are reference-type books packed with facts on subjects including mammals and birds; minibeasts; reptiles and amphibians; plants and trees; space and toys; and vehicles.

They are non-chronological and often include features such as contexts and index pages to help children find information quickly.

The texts are available in two versions: the “listen and read” books have simpler text and full sound support for younger or emerging readers, whereas the “read alone” books are suitable for more confident readers as they have detailed text and minimal sound support.

Links in the text navigate to other pages containing related items. On each page’s image there are pop-ups of various features with definitions.

All of the topics have supporting resources. This includes a mock website that encourages children to search for the information themselves in a closed environment, and a glossary with the information for each subject listed alphabetically.

Pupils can use the information they have read to take part in the “decision tree” activity, which asks them to sort material by creating a branching database using their own “yesno” questions. They can also emply a label and caption template to create colourful and informative labels and captions for classroom displays or books.

Each topic also has an editable image document in a Word format, which can be printed out for a variety of writing tasks.

tes.co.uktesiboard-infotexts.