Pennsylvania Department of Education
Exploring Key Ideas and Details in Fiction and Nonfiction
Third graders participate in activities to differentiate fiction from nonfiction. For this fiction lesson, 3rd graders describe the elements of a fiction story. Students compare and contrast fiction and non fiction elements. Students...
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Fiction vs. Nonfiction
Students explore fiction and nonfiction writing. They identify the elements of fiction in a short story and identify the criteria necessary in a nonfiction piece. Students distinguish the author's purpose in an expository text,...
Civil War
Civil War Medicine: Fact or Fiction
Young historians compare the presentation of medical care during the Civil War in passages from fictional and nonfictional texts. They examine passages from Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell and Soldier's Heart by Gary Paulsen, and...
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Fiction vs. Nonfiction
Students find the difference between fiction and nonfiction. In this fiction/nonfiction instructional activity, 1st graders read the story Johnny Appleseed and discuss what makes this a nonfiction story. They listen to a fiction story...
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Finding Excellent Nonfiction in Long-form Journalism
How to find engaging, rigorous nonfiction texts through long-form journalism.
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Comparing and Contrasting: Fact vs. Opinion
Elementary schoolers investigate nonfiction stories by analyzing facts and opinions. They read nonfiction stories about the Lewis and Clark expedition. Pupils utilize a T-chart to list the facts and opinions on opposite sides, and then...
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Animal Reports (Lesson 6 - Use of Information
Fourth graders use the computer catalog to find and select a nonfiction book to gather bibliographic information on an animal they have previously selected. They write the information on a note card.
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Narrative Writing vs. Explanatory Writing
The class discusses the different purposes an author has for writing. The focus of the discussion is on writing to tell a true story and writing to give information about a specific topic. There are writing purpose sorting cards embedded...
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Nocturnal vs. Diurnal Animals
First graders identify nocturnal and diurnal animals. In this animal instructional activity, 1st graders discuss the differences between animals that are active during the day and those that are active at night. Students write summaries...
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Waterdrops
In this science worksheet, students learn about water resources and watersheds by reading and answering questions in this 8 pages newsletter. Students learn about salt vs. fresh water, discover the protective role of estuaries, learn...
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"You Shall Do Your Best Endeavor" - Working With Primary Documents
Students read and interpret primary source documents regarding historic Jamestown. In small groups, they read the primary documents, answer questions, and view online maps of Jamestown Island and Virginia.