As classrooms become more interactive,
the use of nonfiction in class to improve learning is decreasing. There
is data to back it up. According to a study by Duke, nonfiction books make up 9.8 percent of classroom libraries. Nonfiction can open your class to the nuts and bolts of the world, but it does a little more than that.
How can Nonfiction help?
I felt there was a gap in the volume of non-fiction used in our classrooms. As an advocate, I know nonfiction shapes the way students see the world. It can help them find themselves and their place in it. Furthermore, it improves student success!
We need to expose our students to more books, magazines, and newspapers. Here are the benefits your class can get from reading more non-fiction:
- It Improves Reading
Nonfiction has been proven to improve the speed and competence of reading. They may
contain complex and challenging words and phrases. That’s fine! It stretches and challenges your class to make connections. They will identify words later in life and breeze through it. Getting ahead of the curve sets your students up for larger pieces of nonfiction in the future.
- It Enriches Imagination
With practical knowledge on a particular subject, kids can create a more vivid interpretation of people, places, and situations in their imagination. This brings out the improved creativity in the areas of science, and math. Enhanced imagination brings more analytical thinking and a
more holistic view of the world.
- It Accelerates Comprehension
If you measure the comprehension of your class (with more nonfiction), you will notice an easier time understanding more complex words and phrases. Non-fiction encourages them to ask the right questions. They can also make associations with similar words and phrases in other books - fiction or otherwise - as they move up grades. You will discover the quality of communication with their classmates skyrockets.
- Grades Go Up
Improved comprehension means improved grades! Kids can call on past stories, and integrate them in future tests. Nonfiction reading improves students’ critical thinking, patience, and resilience. Watch them solve difficult math, writing, and science tasks better. Nonfiction encourages them to help others, improving their learning as a result.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON VOLUME 1:
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON VOLUME 2:
Nonfiction Passages for Reading Comprehension
As I needed more creative ways to introduce non-fiction and motivate my class to read, I created some handy resources to share with teachers who have similar concerns.
I’ve implemented these during reading groups, homework, and even class assessments. As added learning, I have students highlight difficult words and research their meanings. These downloadable templates will be as critical for you as they have been for me.
Volume 1 contains passages on topics
that interest kids but still encourages learning. Have them explore rain with
The Water Cycle, or understand how Bears hibernate. They can explore outer
space or learn about pioneers like Rosa Parks, or Thomas Edison. Assess their
understanding with three multiple-choice questions, and a writing prompt for
students to complete on the reverse.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON VOLUME 2:
Volume 2 gives you another fifteen short
stories that push the boundaries of your students’ understanding. These
printables cover facts like the History of Chewing Gum, The First Man on
the moon, and Strange Plants. Get them involved after reading with questions
and writing prompts to reinforce understanding.
Nonfiction reading will have a positive
impact on your classroom. These two templates will get you started by
introducing more non-fiction. They have been a useful support tool for getting
my students engaged, and attentive. I’ve also seen great strides in grades. I’m
sure you’ll agree, non-fiction is one of the best ways to set them up for
success.
