Introducing Non-Fiction: 5 Day Unit

This 5 day unit on non-fiction text teaches 2nd-5th grade students to use non-fiction text features to make meaning. This unit features many "Reading Tools" students can use to make meaning of non-fiction text. Hot links bring up pdf files: pre-reading graphic organizers, lists of reading tools, KWL charts, non-fiction kid-friendly articles and questions, and an illustration of the 5 text structures of non-fiction. Characteristics of non-fiction text, text features and structures are taught in context to help kids make predictions and comprehend. Think Aloud strategy is used to artfully engage students in discussion regarding informational text.

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Introducing Non-Fiction: 5 Day Unit

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Objective:

Students will:

  • Get an introduction to nonfiction texts and identify what they already know about this genre
  • Prepare to read a nonfiction article by building background knowledge and learning key vocabulary
  • Learn text features associated with types of nonfiction
  • Learn about different text structures used in nonfiction and identify the text structure of a specific passage
  • Check their comprehension skills and apply what they've learned to their own writing

Unit Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding

Helpful Hints

Materials

Lesson 1:

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

Lesson 2:

  • Chart paper and markers
  • KWL Chart (PDF), one per student
  • Stopping a Toppling Tower (PDF)

Lesson 3:

  • Prereading Organizer (PDF), one per student
  • Stopping a Toppling Tower (PDF), one per student
  • Optional: Sample book with fiction stories
  • Optional: Projector to display the "Stopping a Toppling Tower" article for the class

Lesson 4:

  • Five Text Structures Chart (PDF), one per student
  • Stopping a Toppling Tower (PDF), one per student

Lesson 5:

  • Writing tools
  • Paper
  • Stopping a Toppling Tower (PDF), one per student

References

Contributors: 
Paula Cox
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation