Introduction to Nonfiction What are nonfiction materials Nonfiction

Introduction to Nonfiction

What are nonfiction materials? Nonfiction contains facts and information.

What kinds of things are in nonfiction books? -actual persons, places, and events -facts

How should I read nonfiction books?

IDEAS • • • Investigate the text Decide on a plan of action Evaluate your effort Adjust your reading Summarize • This “ideas” acronym came from Mailbox Magazine.

Step 1: Investigate the text

1. Read the title, main headings, and subheadings. 2. Explore the pictures, charts, maps, and graphs. 3. Think about what you already know.

Step 2: Decide on a plan of action

1. Look over the pages that you will read. 2. Figure out what you need to learn. 3. Decide how you will remember what you read. 4. Read.

Step 3: Evaluate your effort

1. Think about what you have read so far. 2. Does it make sense? 3. Find the main ideas. 4. Keep reading!

Step 4: Adjust your reading

1. Change your pace if you are behind or ahead. 2. Use context clues or look up unknown words. 3. Reread to make sure you understand.

Step 5: Summarize

1. Make the information stick! 2. Review what you learned. 3. Summarize what you read.

What should I do while I read a nonfiction book?

Monitor Comprehension • Follow your inner conversation— questions, connections, confusions & new information – Leave tracks of your thinking on Post -Its or index cards – Review your thoughts and label what you are thinking and doing as you read – Talk it over with someone—SHARE – What new questions do you have?

Activate & Connect • Follow the text signposts • Merge your thinking with new learning • Connect the new to the known

Ask questions • Question the text • Read to discover answers • Ask questions to expand thinking

Infer Meaning • • • Infer meaning of unfamiliar words Infer with text clues Tackle the meaning of language Crack open text features Read with a question in mind Wrap your mind around the “big” ideas

Determine Importance • • • Spotlight new thinking Record important ideas Target key information Determine WHAT to remember Distinguish between YOUR thinking and the author’s • Construct main ideas from supporting details

Nonfiction • • • Read, think and react Think beyond the text Read to get the gist Reread and rethink Read, write and reflect.

• gives information about a topic • is divided into sections with headings • may include photos with captions

Specific Details in Nonfiction • 1. Quote: Repeat or copy out (a group of words from a text or speech), showing you are not the original author. • 2. Statistic: A fact or piece of data from a study.

• 3. Definition: a statement expressing the essential nature of something • 4. Startling Fact: to introduce something which startles the reader. • 5. Anecdote: A short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person