Before students can begin to write their own nonfiction (reports, question-and-answer books, etc.), they must first learn to read nonfiction. When we teach this first, the research they do and the writing they create contains more meaning and is more likely to conform to the standards of nonfiction. Through this unit's lessons, students will begin to develop an understanding of the features of nonfiction literature and will therefore be able to use this knowledge to help them read nonfiction more fluently.

Students will:

1. Discover common features of nonfiction.
2. Compare nonfiction and fiction books on the same topic.
3. Create a fiction/nonfiction Venn diagram.

Lesson 1: Finding Nonfiction Features

Lesson 2: Mixed Bags: Fiction and Nonfiction

Lesson 3: Comparing and Contrasting Fiction and Nonfiction

Culminating Activity

After the class has completed the last lesson, Comparing and Contrasting Fiction and Nonfiction, it should be clear that they've developed a clear understanding of the differences between the two. As you continue to read nonfiction books, make sure that the students are maintaining an understanding of the features of nonfiction and how these features allow the reader to read the content differently. The Venn diagram will help the students clearly see the difference between nonfiction and fiction and will help them become abler readers of nonfiction.

Supporting Books

Books for Teaching How to Read Nonfiction