Minds On
Big top academy
Brainstorm
What do you think?
Before exploring the video, consider what kinds of strategies you could use to understand the video.
These could include asking questions, taking notes, or making inferences to determine the purpose of the oral text.
Student Success
Think-Pair-Share
If possible, discuss the following questions with a partner:
- What is the purpose of the video? How do you know?
- What kinds of strategies did you use to explore the video?
Note to teachers: See your teacher guide for collaboration tools, ideas and suggestions.
Action
How-to texts
You may have noticed that the Minds On video is a “how-to” text. A “how-to” text teaches the reader/viewer how to accomplish a task or skill. The members of Big Top Academy teach us how to juggle.
It is important to identify the task or skill explored in a “how-to” text. This is the purpose of the text. Then, we can identify the introduction, middle section, and a conclusion. We might call these the introduction, instructions, and the end section. A “how-to” text might also share different facts and tips throughout.
Let’s examine the Big Top Circus video again, and this time focus on what is happening at the beginning, middle, and end of the video. Explain your thoughts using the graphic organizer, create an audio clip or use another method of your choice.
Complete Big Top Circus Organizer in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document to add information for the beginning, middle, and end of the oral text…
| Topic: How-to juggle | |
|---|---|
| Introduction | |
| 1) | |
| 2) | |
| Instructions | |
| 3) | |
| 4) | |
| 5) | |
| 6) | |
| Conclusion | |
| 7) | |
| Tips | |
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Big Top Circus Organizer.
Press ‘Answer’ to check your answers.
Task or Skill: How-to Juggle
Introduction
- Gather your materials. You can use scarves, balls and other objects as long as they are not breakable.
Middle
- Start with one ball. Passing ball from one hand to the other.
- Next, scoop the ball from one hand to the other.
- Then, try adding a second ball. Throw the ball in your right hand to the left, then right before it comes down throw the left ball.
- Once you are comfortable, add a third ball. Start with two balls in one hand, and one ball in the other.
End
- Practice, practice, practice!
Analyze a “how-to” text
Explore the following TVO Kids Homework Zone video.
What is the topic of this “how-to” video?
What are the steps we can take to accomplish the task or goal? Explain your thoughts.
Press ‘Answer’ to check your answers.
The video teaches us how-to prepare for a test. The steps include:
- Study what you’ve been taught and practice what you know.
- Eat good food like fruits and vegetables.
- Get a good night’s rest before the big test.
Create your own “how-to” text
It’s your turn! Choose a topic and identify a task or skill that you would like to explore.
Complete How-to Chart in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document to describe the steps required to complete your task or skill.
| Topic: How-to __________ | |
|---|---|
| Introduction | |
| 1) | |
| 2) | |
| Instructions | |
| 3) | |
| 4) | |
| 5) | |
| 6) | |
| Conclusion | |
| 7) | |
| Tips | |
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the How-to Chart.
Consolidation
Thinking about how-to-texts
- What did you learn about the specific elements of a “how-to” text?
- How can we use “how-to” texts to teach different skills or tasks?
- Do you find “how-to” texts help you learn new skills or tasks?
- Why is it important to communicate each step in a “how-to” oral text clearly?
Reflection
As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel…
Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.
Press ‘Discover More’ to extend your skills.
Discover MoreUsing your “how-to” text plan from the Action section, create your own “how-to” video or audio recording. Remember to include an introduction, instructional steps, and a conclusion. Add any other tips you would like the reader/viewer to know about completing the skill or task safely.