Research shows that children who have a good understanding of the structure of expository text have fewer problems with comprehension. While some children are able to figure out the different textual patterns on their own, others require direct instruction. This article describes four common expository text structures and explains how teachers, who play a critical role in helping students develop an understanding of the structure of expository text, can go about teaching expository text structure awareness. The CORE model of instruction provides a framework for lesson design. Well‐developed questioning strategies connect students to the topic. The text is diagrammed (or organized) to enable students to see the structure. Students are given an opportunity to reflect on what they have learned through explanation and critiquing. Extend provides an opportunity to practice the strategy. Knowing how exposition is structured will not guarantee comprehension, but developing a clear understanding of how the text is structured will enable the reader to build a coherent model of the text.

Research shows that students who have a good understanding of narrative text structure have fewer problems comprehending stories. Research also suggests that many students require explicit instruction in how to comprehend this text type. While some children are able to figure out the more elaborate structure of narrative text on their own (i.e., that stories have a plot, characters, setting, and theme), there are others who are not so lucky. Teachers play an important role assisting students to develop a good understanding of narrative text structure awareness. This article briefly outlines what research has to say about comprehension strategy instruction and then describes how teachers can go about teaching a comprehension strategy, narrative text structure awareness with the aim of enhancing children's comprehension of this text type.

This article reviews theoretical and research evidence to support the explicit and systematic teaching of five comprehension strategies that will help all students tackle expository texts with success. The article explains the “High 5!” strategies and how to teach them. An example of a lesson is included to show how the five strategies connect with students' background knowledge to enhance comprehension.

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