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

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

Step 2: Decide on a plan of action

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

Step 3: Evaluate your effort

1. Think about what you have read so far. 2. Does it make sense. 3 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 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 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.