Non Fiction Mania

We recently studied the features of fiction and non fiction literature. A T-chart was made to compare them. We focused on non fiction features, such as headings, table of contents, photographs, captions, glossary, diagrams, etc. We discussed how these help us gain information from this type of text. Partners went on scavenger hunts to find them in our non fiction books and Scholastic News. 

Our class then went on to examine non fiction text structures. We looked at 5 different structures that authors use to assist readers in understanding what they read. They are: description, sequence, compare and contrast, cause and effect and problem and solution.As a class, we used the topic of "soccer" and read about it using all 5 text structures. Next, the students worked with a friend to read all about "bubble gum" and see if they could identify the text structure the author utilized. They did a great job! 

The students enjoyed exploring the series "Who Would Win?" which is a compare and contrast text structure. They worked in partners to create a Venn diagram with how the 2 animals were alike and different and then went on to write several comparative statements. 

When you are reading non fiction literature with your child, be sure to ask him/her about the text features and what text structures the author uses to organize the information. Here are some of the mini-lesson posters to help you.