Nonfiction Lesson Plans

Students explore reading nonfiction. In this nonfiction activity, students practice using KWL charts to organize nonfiction information gained from reading. Students explore unfamiliar words from reading and recognize synonyms and antonyms.

First graders access prior knowledge of weather with a KWL.  In this weather lesson, 1st graders view a video and recognize the elements of nonfiction.  Some students compare fiction and nonfiction about weather using a Venn diagram.

Help readers distinguish between fiction and nonfiction books. They will read many fiction and nonfiction books in order to compare features. Then they list the features of each and label books they read fiction or nonfiction.

Students discover the world of nonfiction literature.  In this language arts lesson, students read samples of nonfiction books, maps. magazines and menus while analyzing the differences between fiction literature.  Students discuss their thoughts on nonfiction and their reading experiences in the past.

Scholars compare and contrast nonfiction and fiction text features. They will define and identify nonfiction text features such as: glossary, table of contents, charts, bold words, and headings. Then they read nonfiction independently to orally share the text feature they found helpful

Fifth graders select, read, and compare and contrast a fiction and nonfiction book. They identify the genre of fiction or nonfiction book on a genre list form, then read the two books. Next, they complete a compare/contrast chart, and write the keywords that describe the plot, characters, and settings from the two books.

Fifth graders select a fiction and nonfiction book and identify what type of fiction and nonfiction books they are. Using a Genre checklist, they identify the types of books they have selected, and then compare and contrast the books using a worksheet chart.

Students evaluate nonfiction text. In this evaluating nonfiction lesson students read two pieces of nonfiction text and respond with a short free-writing piece. Students discuss the content and focus on the accuracy.

Students use a graphic organizer to examine the similarities and differences in fiction and nonfiction text. In this text characteristics instructional activity, students complete a Venn Diagram in which they compare the two types of literature. They use a story map chart of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, fill in the Venn Diagram, and discuss what they expect to see in fiction and nonfiction text.

Explore fiction and nonfiction books with young readers. They will compare and contrast the characteristics of each genre. Then use a Venn Diagram to organize their information.