Lesson Plan

What's Special About Nonfiction?

This lesson introduces students to the concept of nonfiction -- the role it plays not only in class but in daily life.

Overview

This lesson will provide students with a strong foundation for reading, writing, and using nonfiction.

Objective

Students will:

  • See that while nonfiction may be different from a fairy tale, storybook, or novel, it can be fun to read
  • Understand that nonfiction will play a role not only in this year's curriculum, but in daily life for years to come
  • Identify some of the basic characteristics of nonfiction literature

Materials

  • Classroom social studies or science textbook
  • Example of fiction (e.g., storybook)
  • Samples of nonfiction literature (books, menus, maps, magazines, etc.)

Directions

Step 1: Discuss what nonfiction is with students:

  • Point out examples that are all around them: books about their favorite animals, lunch menus, maps, classroom magazines, etc.
  • Define nonfiction: It gives information. It explains, informs, or persuades.

Step 2: Use the chart below to guide a discussion of the characteristics of nonfiction and how reading nonfiction is different than reading stories or novels. Use examples from a social studies or science textbook to illustrate some of these characteristics.

Characteristics of Nonfiction Text

How does nonfiction text look different from fiction?
  • There may be chapter titles and section headers that preview information.
  • Each page has words in a variety of fonts and type sizes.
  • Bold or italic fonts may be used to signal important words or phrases.
  • Diacritical marks may be used to guide pronunciation.
How are graphic aids used?
  • Maps, charts, diagrams, photographs are usually included to illustrate or summarize information.
  • Captions or labels must be examined carefully for relevant information.
How is the vocabulary different?
  • There may be more words that are unfamiliar. Look for multi-syllabic words like "photosynthesis" that may be difficult to pronounce.
What do we know about nonfiction?
  • There is a great deal of information to be understood and remembered.

 

Step 3: Reassure students that these unusual features should not discourage them. Explain how these characteristics are “clues” that will help them understand what they're reading.

Step 4: Have students share experiences they've had with nonfiction. Try these prompts:

  • What books about real people, places, and events have you read?
  • Do you enjoy reading these types of books? Why or why not?
  • When you look at an article or a biography, do you look at the illustrations and read the captions?
  • What websites do you visit?
  • Have you ever had to read directions for a board game or ingredients in a cookbook?
  • Subjects:
    Content Area Reading
  • Skills:
    Nonfiction Texts
  • Duration:
    1 Day
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