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,...
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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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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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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 lesson, 1st graders discuss the differences between animals that are active during the day and those that are active at night. Students write summaries about their...