Reading More Nonfiction

In December, we are reading a lot of nonfiction. We are studying the different features of nonfiction such as captions, labels, headings, the glossary, and the index and how to use these features to find information. During our LMC time this week, students chose a nonfiction animal book. Students will take notes on the animal and made a poster displaying the information they learned as well as present the information to the class at the end of the month.

This week, students were introduced to the Fact -- Question -- Response strategy as a method for taking notes and understanding their nonfiction books. Reading nonfiction requires readers to think differently about the text. This strategy builds on the previous questioning strategy students have practiced in the classroom. Students are asked to use three columns notes to write facts, questions, and responses to the text they are reading. Students were shown how to read a chunk of text and write down important facts. Students were shown how to ask questions and search for the answers as they read. Discussions in class have occurred about getting too caught up in asking a bunch of questions instead of focusing on the text and what to do if their questions are not answered in the text. Students may need to search for additional resources to answer their questions. Above all, students were encouraged to use this as a tool and not just “fill up the paper” to complete the assignment.